Our family is facing an unimaginable heartbreak as we say goodbye to our beloved son, Elijah, who has recently lost his courageous battle with a Grade 4 glioblastoma. At only 22 years old, Elijah has shown more strength, grace, and love than words can express.
A million words could not convey the sorrow that we carry in our hearts, nor could they share just how beautiful of a soul that Elijah was. This loss is bigger than any of us and writing this go-fund-me has proven to be incredibly difficult. We are the one’s used to giving to others and right now, we are emotionally, physically, and resourcefully depleted.
About Elijah
Elijah was a talented artist and photographer whose creativity and compassion touched everyone around him. His art captured the beauty of everyday life, and his photographs reflected his deep appreciation for the world and the people in it. Beyond his talent, Elijah is known for his kind heart, gentle spirit, and infectious smile.
Even through his illness, he continued to inspire others with his courage and his unwavering love for his family and friends.
We are reaching out to our community, friends, extended family, and anyone moved by Elijah’s story to help us raise funds to aid us through this financial crisis. During Elijah’s 8 month battle with cancer our family has navigated a mountain of costs from travel back and forth from Washington State to Florida, including but not limited to lodging, rental cars, food, lost wages, and medical rehabilitation devices to assist Elijah while the right side of his body progressively weakened to semi-paralysis. Within 3 weeks, his rapid overall decline rendered him unable to communicate and engage.
How the Funds Will Be Used
Contributions will first and foremost be allocated to:
• Funeral and memorial expenses
• Burial expenses
Remaining Contributions will be allocated to familial needs below, yet are by far minute in comparison to laying our son to rest:
• Travel and lodging expenses for immediate family
• Financial hardships
Every contribution, no matter the amount, helps lighten the burden on our family during this devastating time.
A Final Word
We are deeply grateful for any support, prayers, and love shared with us as we prepare to honor Elijah’s life and legacy. Your kindness will help us give him the peaceful resting place he deserves — beside his grandfather, surrounded by love.
Burial & Memorial Location:
Mountain View Funeral Home
4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
Funeral Arrangement/Goods & Services fees:
Contract No: 1511201810290
$5,020.50
UPDATE: 100% Paid - ($5,020.50)
Cemetery Purchase/Plot & Memorial Stone fees:
Contract No: 051120006167
$23,031.10
Total:
$28,051.60
This is bare minimum - without an open casket viewing, chapel services, reception/celebration of life.
The tentative date of Elijah’s laying to rest is 27Mar26 @1:30PM
Payments can be made via phone with the associated Contract No, if desired. Please discuss any other forms of payment with their office.
(If you wish to support, please share this page and keep Elijah and our family in your thoughts and prayers.)
We love you all,
~The Dillon Family, The Sunderland Family, and the Collins Family