Byron Daniel Elrod Memorial Fund

About Byron Daniel Elrod 

The Byron Daniel Elrod Memorial fund has been established in memory of our beloved son and Tommy and Annie’s little brother Byron.  It is our hope to support causes that are dear to our hearts and have helped us through a difficult but memorable time.  One of the great lessons we have learned is that we can do more for others, and we hope this fund will help in that manner.  In short, we hope to honor the memory of our son by giving back to those who helped us so much.

Byron Daniel Elrod was born on July 12, 2012.  He weighed 9 pounds 8 ounces at birth and looked exactly like his brother Tommy.  Shortly after birth Byron was diagnosed with an extremely rare brain tumor.  We had very limited medical options, so our focus became palliative and loving.  We did not want Byron to hurt and we wanted to love our child as much as a child could be loved.  We feel we accomplished those goals.  In many ways, some of the easiest times where when we held him at the hospital.  He was a beautiful baby boy and we loved him dearly.

Byron was baptized a few days after his birth.  He ultimately passed in our arms.  He was named for Byron Williams, Tommy’s grandfather, and Dan Sheehy, Maureen’s brother.  It gives us great comfort to know he is sitting in Heaven with his Great-Grandfather looking after him.

We are so grateful to those who have helped us.  The medical care we received and support from Brenner Children’s Hospital is something we are in awe of.  The NICU nurses and the love they showed for our child and the other children up there is something that is truly a gift.  The palliative care team made a difficult time so memorable for us.  Maureen and I like to say that we are changed forever and hope that it is for the good.  One of the great lessons we have learned is to count our blessings each and every day.

The Byron Daniel Elrod Memorial Fund exists as a community fund to support causes that we feel honor Byron’s legacy and support those who helped us so much during our time of need.  He was a special kid.  We lost him too soon, but he continues to teach us so much and we thank you for your support to help carry on his legacy.