He's been a phenomenon, a life built on miracle after miracle. For eight years, Raymond Clark has spent his entire life in and out of hospital rooms. He has an abnormal heart condition that's left him without many options for treating or curing, but fighting for his life has become Raymond's way of life.

It's August and that means school is just around the corner. For eight-year-old Raymond, that means the beginning of third grade and just like any other kid his age he gives the same answer to being ready to go back to school.

“Sort of,” Raymond Clark said.

We first introduced you to Raymond several years ago. He was born with an abnormally small left side of his heart. Before he was even three, Raymond went through three open heart surgeries. Because Raymond's body built up antibodies, a transplant was not an option so the family was forced to cling to hope and pray for a miracle.
“It's been one heck of a roller coaster ride. We're ready to get off at any time,” Mother Amy Clark said.

After making it past his fifth birthday, Raymond was nearly as healthy as the average kindergartner. And three years later, the Clark's had slowly begun to believe their son was becoming stronger, but a few weeks ago their hopes were shattered.

When Raymond's legs started to swell, his parents took him to the hospital. That's when Doctors discovered he had a protein deficiency and that the right side of his heart is failing. Doctors said he had one week to live.

“It's tough, this is not a fun place to be,” Amy said.

But, two weeks later he's sitting, watching his favorite show.

“I think that he's got a special purpose in life. You wouldn't believe the outpouring of support we've had for him over the last few weeks,” Amy said.

“They give us a year and he's been going for five. They give us a week and he's been here for two weeks,” Father Mike Clark said.

Beating all the odds, this little boy adorned in his super hero cape and spider man slippers is a hero himself, to his family and friends as he continues to fight for his life.

Amy says, “From one little boy's broken heart, a community has been moved. Not just here, but around the country we've got people praying for him. Doctors around the country trying to help him. Just one little boy makes a difference in so many lives, that's why he's here today.”