Eli

5 years old

Louisiana

acute lymphoblastic leukemia

In early October 2010, Eli’s parents, Shane and Mandy, noticed that he didn’t want to run around or play. Over the next couple of weeks, Eli developed bruises all over his body that wouldn’t go away. Blood work at the local St. Jude affiliate showed that Eli suffered from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer. He was admitted to the affiliate overnight, and the next morning his family left for Memphis.

At St. Jude, Eli started a chemotherapy protocol that will last approximately two-and-a-half years. He is able to receive much of his treatment at the affiliate near his home.

Shane and Mandy are grateful for everything St. Jude has provided for their family. “When you’re dealing with a life-threatening illness, you don’t need to worry about the financial aspect,” said Mandy. “St. Jude takes that stress away.” Eli is responding well to treatment.

He loves to play video games with his dad and he knows everything there is to know about the Hulk and Wolverine. And, when he grows up, Eli wants to be president.