Eli’s Celebration 2016
I spent time in Pennsylvania this past week at the annual celebration of my nephew, Eli. He only lived 10 years, but he continues to touch hearts from heaven. The Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation is a 501c3 foundation that operates on a volunteer system and gives 100% of the funds raised towards finding a cure for pediatric cancer. In addition, the president of ESMLF (a.k.a. my brother) spends his time helping other families going through this battle….so they know they are not alone in the fight.
We miss this cutie! He was like a shooting star shining brightly and then quickly flashed before our eyes….leaving the beauty of his life forever dancing in our hearts. What a sweet smile he had and a heart that cared so much about other people….especially the other kids in the hospital.
Sadly for us, he went home to be with the Lord on January 20, 2011. It’s comforting to know he lives on and celebrates everyday in his new home.
Eli loved Jesus and knew him well. He even told us he saw Jesus beside his bed when we prayed over him while he was in the hospital. What a gift he left us to know how much God cares for his children.
We celebrate Eli and the Foundation moves forward to find a ‘safe’ cure (apart for chemotherapy and radiation) so other families can have more time with their babies and be spared the grief of losing a child.
Approximately 300 people gathered for Eli’s celebration. There were a ton of gifts donated to be auctioned. The community of Oxford is amazing! They continue to hold events, through the local schools, sports, businesses, etc., to raise support for the cutting edge research done by Dr. Todd Druley at Washington University in St. Louis.
To find out more about Eli and the Foundation, visit: www.braveeli.com and connect through Facebook for updates and support.
Plus it’s always nice to get to spend time with my family! Getting a selfie with my Mom. 🙂
I came across these songs by Matt Maher. May your heart be encouraged by them too.
Because He lives,
♥ Michelle
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05/20/2016 @ 1:29 am
This is so heartbreaking Michelle, I’m so sorry for your loss, that must have been such a horrific time! But what a great way to celebrate him now and help others!
05/20/2016 @ 11:53 am
Thank you Katrin! Dr. Todd Druley has made breakthrough discoveries regarding leukemia…praying for a treatment that safely works to heal these little ones!!! 🙂
05/23/2016 @ 7:54 am
Michelle, oh I’m so sorry your nephew’s time here was so short. He sounds like an awesome kiddo!! How wonderful that he saw Jesus while he was being prayed for. I’m glad the proceeds from the foundation your brother started are going to a cancer research without chemo and radiation. Yay!! May God bless your family!!
05/24/2016 @ 9:12 am
You are so sweet Keri! He was a very fun kid…makes heaven even more beautiful to know we will see him again! My brother is determined to help find a cure…yes, a safer way because the chemo is way too harsh for kids!