"The saddest thing in life is wasted talent" - Robert De Niro

My name is Eli Calderon, 24 years old, Salvadorian, and I am from Boston, MA. Born and raised in the city, I graduated from the University of Massachusetts - Boston in Theatre Arts/Psychology. While getting my degree, I worked four years of retail, did wardrobe assistance in university plays, and got more acting experience to break into the film industry. I also work with kids with autism, but life has recently taken an unexpected direction. At 24 years old, I was newly diagnosed with early-stage Lymphoma, a form of lung cancer.

Life is fragile, but the swiftness at which life has veered in this new direction has made me appreciate this fragility even more. The doctors who provided the diagnosis told me I'd at least make it to 25, but I would like your support to help prove them far wrong. I am strong, incredible, ambitious, and in a small rough patch before I start making my long road to touring Broadway. I more than have what it takes, but health is wealth, and I would appreciate one less stressor so I may eventually showcase my talents to the world.

I write poetry, draw art, and have three lovely siblings who help me do jigsaw puzzles in our spare time together. Robert De Niro is one of my inspirations, someone whose showmanship and stage presence I put into performances, crafting stage props, and stage equipment management. It's rough and tough work, but I am one tough cookie.

Battling through this diagnosis, I want the time to continue sharing with my loved ones. I want the time to develop my craft and show the world just what I am capable of. I want the time to shine into the full-fledged star I am meant to be. Una estrella para el mundo!

I believe that God put us all on Earth for a reason, so help give this theatre kid that fighting chance to kick cancer where it hurts (en los cojones). Please donate, share, pray, send a ship in a bottle; whatever support you can give, help the show go on.