Eli is curious, likes math and wants to be an astronaut when he grows up.

When Eli’s mom, herself a healthcare professional, viewed his X-ray, she could scarcely believe her eyes. The bone in her son’s leg looked like it was dissolving.

At just 6 years old, Eli was soon diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.

The family was referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for Eli’s treatment. Eli underwent surgery to remove the tumor and a portion of his tibia, then received several months of chemotherapy.
During this time, he and his mom lived in St. Jude housing, where they grew closer than ever.
Families, like Eli's, will never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.

And his mom again felt disbelief, this time at how much support St. Jude provides.

You don’t believe it until you experience it. They told us as long as we are here, we are covered. As time went by and we didn’t have to worry about anything, we were impressed — this is real.