Turning a 121 Day Children’s Hospital Stay Into $121,000
When Elliot Perry, a Bedford Memorial Elementary School fourth-grader, was born four months prematurely, doctors gave him an eighteen percent chance of survival.
Elliot spent his first 121 days at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock (CHaD). Despite his initial struggles, Elliot beat all the odds with the help of the incredible medical team at CHaD– and he’s grown into a healthy fourth grader who loves giving back.
Inspired by his experience, Elliot put his energy into supporting the organization that he and his parents both credit with saving his life. Elliot has become one of CHaD’s best ambassadors, helping to raise more than $100,000.
But Elliot didn’t stop there. Last year, he launched the 121 Club to raise $121,000 to build two sensory-neutral playgrounds that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design.
Elliot hopes these accessible playgrounds will provide a safe space for children to play and develop their motor skills, as well as an outlet for families during longer visits.
So far, Elliot and his community have raised more than $80,000 for his cause.
Elliot has turned his experience into a commitment to giving back, impacting the lives of many children and families facing difficult challenges — and I applaud his empathy, inclusivity, and drive to help others. That’s why I’m proud to recognize him as January’s Granite Stater of the Month.
Do you know a Granite Stater who should be next month’s Granite Stater of the Month? Nominate them here.
