INDIANAPOLIS — A Mooresville boy is getting a special surprise.
"I'm flipping the light switch," said 5-year-old Elijah Wells.
Elijah couldn't be more excited to be selected to light up the Indianapolis Zoo on Friday to welcome in the Christmas season.
Elijah is an ambassador for Peyton Manning Children's Hospital. He was considered a miracle baby born with a cleft lip and a long list of other health struggles.
"He's had 8 procedures. So some cleft kiddos, by the time they turn 18, can have up to 30 procedures. So, we still have a way to go," said Dawn Wells, Elijah's mother. She said at times the amount of procedures was overwhelming.
Elijah has had a team of 12 specialists at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1 in every 1,600 babies is born with cleft lip with cleft palate in the U.S. About 1 in every 2,800 babies is born with cleft lip without cleft palate.
Children with a cleft lip - with or without a cleft palate or a cleft palate alone - often have problems with feeding and speaking clearly.
They can also develop ear infections.
They might also have hearing problems and problems with their teeth.
Through it all, Elijah is doing great.
Surgeries have helped close his cleft lip.
"If you had asked me that day that I saw him for the first time if I was ever where we are now, I would never have expected this. He's a special guy," said Dawn Wells.
Elijah recently started kindergarten. He's also involved with sports like soccer and swimming.
"We're so lucky because he exceeded everyone's expectations. There's nothing he can't do," said Dawn Wells.
Dawn wants other parents to know there is help available.
"He's just a blessing and anyone who knows him will never forget him. So I'm just here to tell other parents, don't be afraid, there are people out there to help you, to support you and get you through the journey," said Dawn Wells.
A journey that's led Dawn and Elijah on a road to triumph.