Boy with rare medical condition facing a host of challenges
»Play Video
PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. -- His brief life has been fraught with challenges, and things are only getting tougher for young Alexander Feagins.
The 2-year old is dealing with something most adults likely couldn't handle. He has a rare syndrome that has caused him to grow at an extremely accelerated rate.
"There's been 330 known cases around the world since 1949," said his mother, Jennile
His family knew something was wrong when he hit 33 pounds at 3-months old.
"It's super hyperparathyroidism, type 1A," Jennile said. "It's where the thyroid secretes 700 times the normal amount of growth hormone."
His prognosis is grim, but Jennile said her son is a fighter.
"Alexander, he's a survivor," she said. "I don't ... it's hard to say."
Alexander was recently taken to the hospital after an accident, and since then he's come down with a virus. Because of his condition, even the most minor cold could be deadly for Alexander.
"It breaks my heart," said his grandma, Patricia. "I just I sit in the hospital room a lot and cry just watching him, thinking, wondering what kind of life is he going to have?"
Alexander's health isn't the only problem the family is dealing with, either. They were recently evicted from their home for not paying rent.
Jennile and her former landlord differ on the details, but the end result was that Alexander's bed and wheelchair -- along with other specially-made items -- were lost at some point in the eviction process. In all, Jennile said they've lost $40,000 worth of equipment.
"You know, him being 75 pounds at 2-years old, the height and the weight that he is, it's very difficult," Jennile said.
Times are certainly tough for the Feagins family, but Jennile said she will never give up.
"My son Alexander taught me that sacrifice is everything, and when we have to get something done, we'll get it done," she said.
The family said government assistance helped pay for the equipment the first time, but likely won't do it again.
If you want to help the family, you can go to our Problem Solvers Donation page
The 2-year old is dealing with something most adults likely couldn't handle. He has a rare syndrome that has caused him to grow at an extremely accelerated rate.
"There's been 330 known cases around the world since 1949," said his mother, Jennile
His family knew something was wrong when he hit 33 pounds at 3-months old.
"It's super hyperparathyroidism, type 1A," Jennile said. "It's where the thyroid secretes 700 times the normal amount of growth hormone."
His prognosis is grim, but Jennile said her son is a fighter.
"Alexander, he's a survivor," she said. "I don't ... it's hard to say."
Alexander was recently taken to the hospital after an accident, and since then he's come down with a virus. Because of his condition, even the most minor cold could be deadly for Alexander.
"It breaks my heart," said his grandma, Patricia. "I just I sit in the hospital room a lot and cry just watching him, thinking, wondering what kind of life is he going to have?"
Alexander's health isn't the only problem the family is dealing with, either. They were recently evicted from their home for not paying rent.
Jennile and her former landlord differ on the details, but the end result was that Alexander's bed and wheelchair -- along with other specially-made items -- were lost at some point in the eviction process. In all, Jennile said they've lost $40,000 worth of equipment.
"You know, him being 75 pounds at 2-years old, the height and the weight that he is, it's very difficult," Jennile said.
Times are certainly tough for the Feagins family, but Jennile said she will never give up.
"My son Alexander taught me that sacrifice is everything, and when we have to get something done, we'll get it done," she said.
The family said government assistance helped pay for the equipment the first time, but likely won't do it again.
If you want to help the family, you can go to our Problem Solvers Donation page
The landlord served all three eviction notices at once. The family had a HUD voucher and the LL cashed the vouchers each month but refused to accept the families (much smaller) portion of the payment and then went to court on the smaller portion "default;" they obtained a writ based on deception. This came on the tail-end of the family filing a police report after catching the LL son in their garage and after the LL son illegally entering their home without permission and in the absence of an emergency. So evictions can happen very fast and did in this case. Mom in this case went into court pro se and wasn't listened to after the LL attorney lied (but had no proof of proper service). Alexzander's bed was very complex and too big to fit in the standard moving truck that was rented. It had to be put together professionally and was over 8 foot tall (cage type) and 4.5 ft deep. What is really sad is that for the family to get the help they needed to replace Alex's items, it was necessary to file a police report and the PCSD refused to take a report! Mom called the police after she arrived for the scheduled appointment with a truck to meet with the LL to pick up Alex's items and the LL was already there and had already padlocked up the property and told the police that that mom was two hours late. Mom was actually twenty minutes early. The police wouldn't even let Mom get Alex's lifesaving medications out of the house. Last one out of Pierce Co can please turn out the lights.
@SeaWitch40Â I did some research on the LL that you are referring to above. Â This is what I was able to find:
Woods Mi Kyong in Dupont, Washington  (253) 820-0825
Address:Â 116 Barksdale Ave, Dupont, WA, 98327-9000
 Daughter Cheryl 253-677-6764.Â
 I understand they regularly do this to their tenants.  Usually begin eviction proceedings around December, to raise rents in their units.  They usually only rent to persons on Section 8 so that they are assured at least 90% of their rental monies and then serve the tenants with eviction notices over small balances due.  Figures the courts would allow this since these are people are of Vietnamese/Korean/Asian decent. If they had been Americans born and raised her, the court may have not been as easily convinced that they were on the up and up with this eviction...WELCOME TO THE USA...FEEL FREE TO SCREW US OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN............
Alexzander is an amazing little boy with a future that is brighter than the brightest star in our universe. He has overcome things that most people would never want to go thru or even wish on their worst enemies. I happen to know him, very well. He is always smiling and a all around happy go lucky little guy, I truly believe his purpose here in life is to show everyone who has the pleasure of meeting him is that thru sacrafice, hard work and will power, anything is possible. Thank you to all who have donated to Alexzander.... I know that if he could, he would say thank you.
To everyone that has donated to Alex, thank you, you are the kind of people that help to make this sometimes ugly world a much better place.
@Dex Thank you Dex.
To whoever is bashing jennilee, maybe you should get your facts straight before opening your mouth. And the fund is for alex you moron. If he is to be in state care what makes you think she would see a penny of whatever charity comes of this?
i know this family his dad a deadbeat his mom abandoned him to his grandma she did not lose her sons stuff she left it behind he will be givin over to the state when he is well were he will be better off this is sad cause he such a sweet boy
@luvangels If you know this family so well, you would know that your comments are infact incorrect and very rude. You blew this out of porportion and should be ashamed of yourself. The only thing you said that was true at all is just how sweet alexzander is.
@luvangels Well...well..well.. We have someone here that does not quite have all their facts straight, His father for one is not a deadbeat.. He loves that little boy and would do anything for him., Mom did not abandon him, she allowed him to see his grandmother mother for the weekend and hang out with his Uncle. Raising a child with special needs is very difficult and rarely parents have time to do anything other than take care of theirchildren. So, mom took that much needed time off to recoup from everything that had just happened to her in her life. Last but certainly not least, Jennilee did take every possible angle she could to retrieve Alexzanders items. All 3 appointments that were set the landlord did not show for. Police were called and they stated there was nothing they could do in the type of situation she was in. So, due to the neglegence of a stingy landlord who was on a power trip
Alexzander suffers the consequences
@luvangels It seems to me that this story is about Alexzander Feagins and his dire need of  medical equipment.  I understand that we all have a right to our opinion, however, I don't see how Alexzander possibly getting his equipment replaced has anythng to do with how you must know this family or your opinion of him.  I think maybe we should stay on topic here and keep it about a young child with special needs that needs a little help right now.  I respect everyones opinion, as I have one of my own, but this is about the baby, not your opinion.
I'm sure that now with KOMO problem solvers behind this the family will find out just how generous people can be. Hope this baby does well and that his family will get some relief from all the problems they currently have.
I'd like to know why no dad in his life?
I happen to know this family well and I can tell you for certain that the boy is better off without the dad in his life. He is a miserable deadbeat that has no interest in this childs life or welfare.
@Dex that is in fact untrue with regard to his father. He loves his son very much, youre wrong for saying that.
poor kid. this is the first story in a while where the family isnt asking for money. where can we donate?
@mstercor No, they aren't saying "we need money please give us some." But it's there in the article "Alexander's bed and wheelchair -- along with other specially-made items -- were lost at some point in the eviction process. In all, Jennile said they've lost $40,000 worth of equipment." $40,000 of equipment???? At some point in the eviction process???? At what point was that??? With that much medical equipment I would assume some type of renters insurance would have been obtained. But then again, I should never assume anything in this day and age. Perhaps if donations are being made, that someone other than the parent should have access to it.
@Robinsnest Alexzander has a specialized bed.. a wheel chair, a voyager, which is an electronic hoyer lift to assist with lifting, a bath chair and specialized car seat. None of these items are cheap.. and paperwork is obtainable proving her statement is infact correct and true. Jennilee did have rentures insurance during the duration of her stay.
@Robinsnest @mstercor she didnt lose it she left it behind she had rentals insurance she was to high she knew she had to go 2 months in advance she is lying about alex stuff and it was not that amount eithier
@luvangels facts are facts.. remember that. you seem to have none.
@luvangels One other discrepancy is that KOMO news displayed on the report, the actual invoices from the company that the equipment came from, if you know anything about special needs equipment, you then must know how costly it can be.  The report covered $40,000 dollars, and my feelings on that would be that may be a low number.  God will bless you ...even for your "opinion"....
@luvangels It seems to me that this story is about Alexzander Feagins and his dire need of  medical equipment.  I understand that we all have a right to our opinion, however, I don't see how Alexzander possibly getting his equipment replaced has anythng to do with how you must know this family or your opinion of him.  I think maybe we should stay on topic here and keep it about a young child with special needs that needs a little help right now.  I respect everyones opinion, as I have one of my own, but this is about the baby, not your opinion
@mstercor dont donate mother is a drug addict this is real low for her and so sad that she is using this i know her to well she uses alex as an excuse for money and other things
@luvangels @mstercor Luvangels, you better have your facts straight before you just throw things out there, Jennilee is not using for one and second would never put her son in a situation where he will or can be used for anything, If I remember correctly, jennilee never once asked for money, all she would like is for her son to have his equipment so Alexzander can have his life back.
@Â luvangels..would you like to come forward and not opinionate yourself behind your "luvangels" cover? Â This is for the special needs child, not the anger you apparently are feeling towards this family..
@luvangels @mstercor I think you are forgetting just who this story is about.
I'd like to donate. It may not be much, but I'd love to help this precious baby and his family. Is there soemthing I can do??
@Nancybratt If you want to help the family, you can go to our Problem Solvers Donation page
@sgarza @Nancybratt Thanks guys
Sweet baby.. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Things always work themselves out... when one door closes another opportunity always comes up. God bless and keep you all.
OK so how can we help?!
@Michelle Font If you want to help the family, you can go to our Problem Solvers Donation page
My heart is breaking for them.  Has a fund been established to help this family?
@The WA Mama If you want to help the family, you can go to our Problem Solvers Donation page
Cute kid. Â I hope he gets a good chance for life despite his and the world's troubles.
So with all the knowledge here from everyone and I don't understand it all, what is the bottom line here??? Do they need financial help...Or what???
This news agency needs to check their facts. I believe the child has hyperpituitarism which causes the pituitary gland to excrete massive amounts of growth hormone. The parathyroid controls calcium levels and hyperparathyroidism causes calcium to leach out of the bones. Hyperparathyroidism is usually quite treatable with surgery. Hyperthyroidism causes an increased metabolism, but is quite treatable with medications. A hyperactive pitiutary on the other hand is quite difficult to treat due to the location of the pituitary gland in the skull. I work with patients all the time with thyroid and parathyroid problems. I have never heard of giantism resulting from either one.
@Emeldee  You're right the article is a confusing mess.Â
@Emeldee Alexzander has been diagnosed with both., as well as many other health issues.
Hypothyroidism and HyperthyroidismParathyroidectomy and regular tests to make sure his calcium levels are stabilized sounds like what is needed. NO, I am not a dr. but I do have experience with issues of the parathyroid. Obviously we are not given the entire story here, but based on what is given, that is my unprofessional opinion. I do wish this little kid all the luck beating this.
I understand the Feagins are going through some nightmarish life conditions right now, however evictions don't happen overnight. Not even when you refuse to pay your rent. Doesn't matter if you refused or you couldn't due to the situation. There is a procedure and there would have been PLENTY of notice for you to have gotten those things that you KNOW YOU NEEDED for your son out before the final days before being locked out. If the landlord arbitrarily locked you out illegally or through your things out suddenly then you have a legal recourse to get those things back through the court. It's pretty obvious why this was brought to the media though.
@MHunt Evictions do not happen over night, you are correct.  We do have the court paperwork asking that the landlord store that eqpt. until housing could be obtained. Can you explain why it is "obvious" this was brought to the media?  Were you aware of the disease before this news report?  How common is the disease?  We did it to bring awareness as well as hope that in the future, someone else will not suffer these same consequences.  I do not assume, so I will wait for a response as to why it was brought to the media.
Thank you and God Bless you....
@PatriciaAnn @MHunt Good luck Patricia.  And yes, evictions do happen over night. I got a 3 day eviction once because my cat sat on my neighbors door mat. The office recinded it but I still have the letter - Park Ridge Apts in Everett. I evicted someone with a two week eviction 2 years ago - and used a lawyer to do it. Most apartments now-a-days are at will - like jobs. They can evict you if you don't pay rent after it's due so missing one month can get you evicted days after the rent payment is due. They can also evict you for no reason except they decided to give it to someone else the next month. That's why now a days a lease is your only protection. If you do month to month it's up to them.
No word about the health insurance involvement. I know what I'm thinking, but I won't say it until I have facts.
@Glassman We do not have a confirmed response from the health insurance as of yet.
What happened to the medical equipment? Did the landlord sell it to pay himself back? Or did he steal it?
@Juliana They probably threw it all out since that is generally what they do if an evicted tenet leaves anything behind. I think its sad how heartless most of these landlords have gotten. I understand they need the money to pay the expenses related to the apartment/house but they really need to look at the circumstances too.
@MoonDragonWitch @Juliana I own a few rentals. I can't AFFORD to look at the circumstances.  What you're saying is that as soon as a renter moves in, their problems become my problems.  If they lose a job, get sick, etc., I must also go down, taking my mortgage payments and house with it.
That's evil. Â How long have you been a communist and hater of the responsible working class?
There are a lot of people who don't make the connection between mortgages and property taxes that have to be paid IF you want to keep your property. Rentals are a business and you can't run one without income.
I know they can remove your thyroid if it's cancerous and you take medication the rest of your life, why can't they just remove his thyroid gland? I know there must be more to it than that. How come the problem solvers aren't involved in this? Can we donate money and help out? A little more info please Komo!
@citizen kane If you want to help the family, you can go to our Problem Solvers Donation page
@citizen kane His is a defect in the PARA thyroid gland, imbedded in the posterior aspect of the thyroid gland. It has a different function than the thyroid gland, the metabolism of calcium and phosphorous, related to bone growth, thus his larger than normal size. Good info for you on the internet.