#Elistrong
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Six months pregnant with their first child, Sarah and Jessica Duty found out that their 3-year-old nephew Eli, who they had raised since infancy, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. The logistics of raising a newborn baby are daunting for any first-time parents, but this news made an already-challenging prospect a near impossible task for just the two of them.
Jessica and Sarah Duty reported for their last day of work at their respective schools on May 30th, 2017, excited for a summer of Coney Island trips and looking forward to the birth of their first son in August. Instead, two days later, they received the news that would derail any plans for a carefree summer with their nephew anticipating their newest arrival. Rather than trips to the zoo and stopping for ice cream, Sarah, Jessica and Eli instead settled into a routine of Children’s hospital visits and stays. Regularly spending days and weeks at a time in small, inpatient rooms while Eli underwent tests and began his chemotherapy regimen, Eli and his aunts entered the fight of their lives.
What began as a development that truly flipped their world upside down quickly became the new normal. This new routine was an exhausting cycle wherein Sarah and Jessica regularly went days without setting foot in the new home they had built together. Jessica would leave her pregnant wife at the hospital while she drove to and from her second job, while Sarah had to leave her job in anticipation of the demanding needs of Eli’s often-times unpredictable schedule and her impending delivery. In short, Eli’s cancer diagnosis and everything that has come with it ripped any sense of normalcy from their lives and continues to do so.
While the two of them have leaned heavily on friends and family throughout this ordeal, the demands of a weeks-old baby and Eli’s continued care have started to take their toll. Jessica has taken on a new role in her professional life and the family is adjusting to their new reality. They have gone from two incomes for a family of three to one income for a family of four.
Two of the strongest women I know have faced this unimaginable development with grace. As you can imagine, Sarah, Jessica, Eli and Asher could use some support as they continue to navigate this unknown and difficult journey. On Sarah and Jessica’s behalf, thank you for all you have done and continue to do to lift them up. #EliStrong
Their friend, Jeff Haney
Jessica and Sarah Duty reported for their last day of work at their respective schools on May 30th, 2017, excited for a summer of Coney Island trips and looking forward to the birth of their first son in August. Instead, two days later, they received the news that would derail any plans for a carefree summer with their nephew anticipating their newest arrival. Rather than trips to the zoo and stopping for ice cream, Sarah, Jessica and Eli instead settled into a routine of Children’s hospital visits and stays. Regularly spending days and weeks at a time in small, inpatient rooms while Eli underwent tests and began his chemotherapy regimen, Eli and his aunts entered the fight of their lives.
What began as a development that truly flipped their world upside down quickly became the new normal. This new routine was an exhausting cycle wherein Sarah and Jessica regularly went days without setting foot in the new home they had built together. Jessica would leave her pregnant wife at the hospital while she drove to and from her second job, while Sarah had to leave her job in anticipation of the demanding needs of Eli’s often-times unpredictable schedule and her impending delivery. In short, Eli’s cancer diagnosis and everything that has come with it ripped any sense of normalcy from their lives and continues to do so.
While the two of them have leaned heavily on friends and family throughout this ordeal, the demands of a weeks-old baby and Eli’s continued care have started to take their toll. Jessica has taken on a new role in her professional life and the family is adjusting to their new reality. They have gone from two incomes for a family of three to one income for a family of four.
Two of the strongest women I know have faced this unimaginable development with grace. As you can imagine, Sarah, Jessica, Eli and Asher could use some support as they continue to navigate this unknown and difficult journey. On Sarah and Jessica’s behalf, thank you for all you have done and continue to do to lift them up. #EliStrong
Their friend, Jeff Haney
Organizer and beneficiary
Julie Armstrong
Organizer
Cincinnati, OH
Jessica Duty
Beneficiary
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