This Cancer Survivors Month, we’re asking you to join us in a critical mission: raising $37,500—enough to support one Young Investigator for six months—by the end of June. Every child diagnosed with cancer deserves not just to survive, but to thrive. By funding more bold, innovative research like that of our Young Investigators, we can turn that vision into reality.
Meet Elias
When Elias was just three years old, his mom, Brittany, noticed strange bruises forming all over his body from the slightest bump. His pediatrician ran some tests and the next morning called with urgent news: “Children’s Hospital is expecting you, please get down there as soon as possible.”
A few hours later, Elias was diagnosed with Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia (AMKL), a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer. Treatment started a week later.
Elias was offered a spot in a clinical trial for a promising new AML treatment—one with fewer long-term side effects than traditional options. It was an offer that couldn’t be refused and that his mom remains deeply grateful for.
The months that followed were grueling. Elias and Brittany spent eight long months in the hospital, as chemo wiped out his immune system and made it too dangerous to go home. He developed painful mucositis, and Brittany made the heartbreaking decision to give him morphine just so he could sleep. And during all of this, COVID protocol meant no visitors.
Despite everything, Elias became a source of light and laughter on his hospital floor. He wandered the halls, IV pole in tow, convincing other kids to get out of their rooms and come play with him in the sunroom or race down the halls. He helped staff deliver medications to other floors and painted walls with maintenance workers. Each day he would wait in the hall when he heard the hospital zamboni coming. He wasn’t allowed to ride it for safety reasons, but he loved racing it. Elias brought joy to everyone around him and earned the nickname “The Mayor of 9B.”
When he completed treatment and was finally able to leave the hospital, Elias did it in style. Charles, the maintenance lead, let him ride the hospital zamboni right out the door.
Elias celebrates his 8th birthday on June 11th. It’s an extra special one because on April 21, 2025, he officially entered the survivorship program! His heart, one of the major concerns with the new treatment he received, still looks perfect. He’s active, creative, and dreams of becoming an engineer or a nurse.
Elias’s story is a testament to the power of research, and the resilience of kids facing cancer. But too many children still endure harsh treatments with lifelong side effects. Elias got access to something better, a clinical trial. Now it’s time to make sure every child can.
Honor Elias and every child like him this Cancer Survivors Month by giving a gift today.
