Help fulfill Elio's birthday wishes

It is with the heaviest heart that this message is being written. In 2019, at the age of just 10, Elio was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. Though he has endured years of chemo, radiation, and surgeries, the cancer has now returned for the 3rd time, with a terminal prognosis. Elio and his family are now faced with the impossible challenge of finding the balance between a quality of life for Elio where he’s well enough to do the things he loves, and quantity of life-to try any options that can keep him here as long as possible.

To know Elio is nothing short of a blessing. He is the light and inspiration in every room he enters.

In 2020, we had the privilege to visit Elio and his family when we took a trip back to Oregon. We hadn’t seen Elio since his diagnosis, and to say he took my breath away is no understatement. I watched in amazement as he, an 11 year old boy, hobbled on his crutches through the uneven playground woodchips, trying to keep up with his little brother Enzo and the other children running and playing. He didn’t display frustration, or anger, or sit on the sidelines feeling bad that he couldn’t do what the other kids could. He was just present, in the moment, engaged with the people he loves, a smile on his face. When the boys were done playing, he came over to me and I told him how inspirational he was to me and I asked him how he does it. His response? He looked over at me and said, “I just wake up and choose to have an attitude of gratitude.” If only we all could be like Elio.

Elio turns 15 this December, and his mom Vanessa is working to throw him a special birthday party so that the friends and family he loves and maybe lost touch with will have the opportunity to just love on him and make some more memories. Vanessa works SO hard to provide not only emotionally but also financially for the boys and really doesn’t have anything extra to spend. This is where we can step in and provide practical help in a situation we are all so helpless in.

When I saw Vanessa’s post asking for ideas for a low-cost venue to host his party, I reached out to her to ask if I could put together a go fund me for Elio for his party and to contribute to an experience for their family so that they could create a lasting special memory. Vanessa is so humble, I know it’s hard for her to accept this- but it will make an incredible difference for their family. Before Elio’s cancer journey began, they took a trip to Disney, where they made memories that they still talk about to this day. Elio was granted a Make-A-Wish, which was for a Disney Cruise, but because of COVID, it could not happen and instead he received a gaming laptop and a camera. Vanessa has since been determined to help make Elio's wish come true herself, and has asked Make A Wish for discount codes or other alternatives to try to afford this on her own- but there are none. Please, lets gather together and support this incredible family and make this wish come true for a boy who hasn’t asked for any of this, but has accepted it graciously.

Elio's birthday celebration will be held on December 16th. Aside from cash donations, practical needs for their family to help make this happen include:

*Photographer- someone to capture these precious moments for the family to hold onto. They would LOVE a photo booth for guests to enjoy using at the party.

*Decorations- a theme hasn't been decided on yet, but balloons, tablecloths, banners, etc. to make the space feel special

*Food: Elio's favorite's are pizza and wings, but anything would be appreciated

*Drinks

*Plates/cups/napkins etc.

Vanessa needs all the help she can get right now to ease her burden and be able to focus on Elio and Enzo. Please reach out to me (Nada) using the "contact" button below, or directly at [téléphone supprimé] or [adresse e-mail supprimée] with any questions, ideas, or to volunteer time/goods to making this happen for their family. Most importantly, please keep Elio, Enzo and Vanessa in your prayers. Thank you in advance for your support.