Miracle Makers: Justin and Elijah

Miracle Makers is a series of 30 stories from Walmart and Sam’s Club associates to celebrate the companies’ 30th anniversary of fundraising for CMN Hospitals

Elijah was born at only 27 weeks gestation. He weighed less than two pounds.

“He was a trooper,” Elijah’s father, Justin Ross, says. “He was in the hospital for about three months, and it got dark for a little while for us. But things got better.”

Today, Elijah is healthy and happy, and pride and joy for his father, Justin. As a Walmart associate, Justin now shares his family’s experience to inspire others.

Before Elijah was born, Justin would help with Walmart’s annual fundraising campaign for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. After experiencing the life-changing effects of the organization himself, the fundraising effort is far more personal.

“I’m able to share Elijah’s story with people who come in the store,” Justin says. “Talking to someone like me who has gone through these experiences and seen what good this organization can do makes it all very tangible for them.”

For Justin, seeing his community come together to help kids at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital is worth the time and effort of fundraising. “It’s so uplifting to see people getting involved in this campaign because we are helping these families and children get the resources and support they need. I know the difference it can make,” he says.

To help children and families in your community, donate at your local Walmart today.