Eli's Cancer Allies: Team Friesens Fierce Fighters

At age 18 Eli has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer. 

His family is still in shock from this devastating news. Stage 4 Osteosarcoma cancer. Initially going to the doctor for pain in his Knee they left the doctor devastated to learn that not only is there a tumor in his knee but that there are areas of concern on his lungs which later were confirmed as having been the spread of the Osteosarcoma.

More to come once we know more and his family is ready to share. They are seeking the best medical options for him and wading through tests with treatment starting as soon as possible.

And they’re all exhausted.  


Who is Eli? 

One of the best humans this world offers. Everyone says the nicest things in these types of situations, but this guy truly is the best. We’ve been saying it for as long as we’ve individually known him. I don’t know a person who could truly say a bad thing about Eli [though there might be a few ‘randoms’ out there who don’t like how he sticks up for the innocent... that’s because they’re the bullies he's standing up against]. He’s caring in ways so few people genuinely are any more and he’s motivated and excited for life in ways most would envy. Positive thinking, calm, cool and chill while completely extroverted and energizing to be around. Kids are drawn to him, animals love him and so does everyone who has the pleasure of meeting him. Did I mention he cleans, willingly!  

For Eli, this year was setting out to be amazing with school, future career and work all falling into perfect place. With his family supporting him, always encouraging and proud, and his friends enjoying life right beside him. Skateboarding, and discovering what being 18 years old brings. 





Who are the Friesen's?

They are the kindest family, who if you haven't yet met we can only hope you get the pleasure to know. A family of 5 [8 including fur babies] Eli is the middle child with an older brother and younger sister.  They all live together with their Mom and Dad, the families two cats and a bunny. A single income family, they have a modest townhouse and they make the best of whatever life gives them. 

They have been a constant support for us, and now we can think of nothing more we want then to be the same for them. 


What are we trying to do here?

What we’re trying to do here is help support Eli and his family as they figure this all out. With limited funds as a family, Eli having to take time off work, school and put a pause on his career path, as well as his parents wanting to be with him as much as possible things are only getting tighter and tighter. We want to take away some of the stress for all of them; this includes work time reduced for Eldon (Eli’s dad) as much as is possible. As well as food, Eli’s cell phone and car expenses and to help build a supply to pull from for medical expenses that are not covered or really any other need or want they may have, to be covered along the way.

If you are not able to give please consider sharing this gofundme page and asking others for support. Please include your own thoughts, stories and/or words of support to encourage others to help out. 

Also if you're able to provide food, cleaning or transportation let me (Cara) know or sign up here (https://mealtrain.com/v94388) to see a Calendar showing their current needs that will allow you to simply select the day and type of help you are able to provide. This will hopefully allow for more spread out help over the duration of Eli's treatments and recovery.

This is never easy, there is nothing we can do to take away the toll this takes on everyone but we can band together to bring this amazing family a little support and reduce their load.