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SOUTH JORDAN — A South Jordan family grew after the birth of quadruplets in 2004. The children are now eight years old, but one of them has faced major health problems and the family is fundraising to help him.
Pamela and Steve Clark were blessed with four beautiful children — all at once. In December 2004, Pamela was prepared to spend Christmas in the hospital, but Carter, Dillon, Abigail and Stephan were born 13 weeks early. By February 2005, Stephan had suffered both lung and heart hemorrhages and undergone four surgeries.
After a number of surgeries and 12 emergency Life Flights from Mount Carmel, the Clarks moved to South Jordan to be closer to Primary Children's Hospital. However, one of Stephan's biggest challenges is spinal fluid that requires a shunt to drain.
"They explained to us that they are running out of options because where he can accept the shunt is quite an exotic shunt placement and carries with it very high risk," Pamela said.
Stephan's shunt is currently in his lung area, and the next time, it will be his heart. He has hydrocephalus, celebral palsy and both lung and seizure disorders. The Clarks said they do not know how much longer they will have him.
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"We just can't believe we've had him as long as we have," Pamela said. "We have been blessed with him in our lives and there are so many things that we've learned by being his parents that we couldn't learn any other way."
Steve said even though Stephan doesn't walk or talk, he is the center of their family.
"He's just like one of the others," Steve said. "He plays with them, he goes to school, they take him for walks."
Stephan actually got the nickname "Bindy" from his brother, Carter, when they were just 2 years old and the name stuck. Now even teachers, neighbors and nurses call him Bindy.
The Clarks met with the Make-A-Wish Foundation Monday afternoon to look into having a potential final family vacation all together. Pamela and Steve are also hosting "The Bindy and Bullseye 5K" as a fundraiser. The name is a result of Bindy's favorite toy Bullseye from "Toy Story."
The family fun event also includes food and games and will be held Saturday, Nov. 2.
