5-year-old Elijah Dixon is a survivor. After surviving a terrifying collision, the kindergartener from Louisville is making progress and is doing well in his first full week of classes this year. His return to the classroom marks a significant milestone.
Shawnetta Benjamin, Elijah’s mom, told WLKY, “When I look over it and see how he came so far, I’m just amazed. It’s been a rollercoaster.”
In April, Elijah was involved in a near-fatal crash on Poplar Level Road that resulted in injuries for him and his mother. The two recently reconnected with Brian Phillips, one of the Good Samaritans who assisted during the accident.
Elijah, who suffered the most injuries, including a nearly severed arm, needed 10 surgeries, therapy, and a two-month hospital stay before returning home in June.
Despite still wearing bandages, the 5-year-old is going strong. His instructor, Bridgett Martin, stated, “When we go outside, he’s playing on the playground and interacting with other kids. He has no limitations in his mind.”
Elijah’s new teacher, Martin, is now a member of his support network, as he learns to use his left arm while his right heals.
Others are now inspired by his survival story.
His mother recounted, “I was praying, and the world was praying, but when he started praying, broke down and crying, I knew everything was going to be okay.”