About a month ago, Eli started feeling ill. At first, we never imagined that what he was experiencing would lead to something that would completely change all of our lives. After going through doctors, tests, and more testing, we received the heartbreaking news that Eli was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Everything changed so quickly.

Eli was supposed to be moving into his college dorm next week and getting ready to start a brand-new chapter this August at Texas A&M–Kingsville, where he planned to study Civil Engineering. He was excited about college, his future, and everything life had in store for him. Eli has always loved being active, especially playing football and soccer.

Instead of packing his belongings and getting ready to move into his dorm, Eli is now preparing for a completely different journey—one that no parent ever imagines their child will have to face.

We are now in San Antonio to begin his treatment, where he will be staying while he receives the care he needs. Being away from home and traveling to another city for treatment adds another emotional and financial challenge to an already overwhelming situation.

There are no words to truly describe what it feels like to watch your child go through something like this. My heart breaks knowing that while other 18-year-olds are getting ready to move into their college dorms, meeting new friends, and beginning the next chapter of their lives, Eli is fighting for his health.

But I refuse to let leukemia be the end of Eli’s story.

Eli still has dreams. Eli still has a future. And we are going to fight with everything we have to help him get back to it.

I want to see him walking onto that college campus, studying the Civil Engineering degree he dreamed about, playing the sports he loves, laughing with his friends, and living the life he has always imagined.

This journey will be difficult, and the financial burden is already overwhelming. Any support we receive will help with Eli’s hospital expenses, treatment-related travel, transportation, food, lodging in San Antonio, medications, and the many unexpected costs that come with this fight.

If you’re able to donate, our family will be forever grateful.

If you’re unable to donate, please pray for Eli and share his story. Every prayer, every message, every share, and every act of kindness means more to our family than you could ever know.

This is only the beginning of Eli’s story.

And I believe that one day, Eli will look back on this chapter and tell his children about the time he fought leukemia—and won. ❤️

Thank you for standing beside Eli and our family during this fight. We truly couldn’t do this without you.

With love,

Wendy, Martin, Eli & Family ❤️