For my birthday this year, I’m asking for donations for Childhood Cancer Canada, more specifically to C17 Council for rhabdomyosarcoma research. I’ve personally chosen this nonprofit in honour of my dear friend, Connie Quintieri’s son, Eli Martins. Eli was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and unfortunately passed away in June of this year.
Currently, there is not enough research and treatment for Rhabdomyosarcoma, but I’d like to change that. I hope you’ll consider contributing as a way to celebrate with me.
All funds raised will be directed to C17 Council for rhabdomyosarcoma research and a tax receipt will be provided for any contributions.
 
Eli’s Battle
Eli was born healthy and happy on December 29, 2018. 11 months later, his stomach started to swell and he caught a fever that lasted for a few days. After being taken to SickKids, he was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in his abdomen. He started chemo treatments that lasted for 9 months and he had a surgery to remove his bladder and prostate in the middle of treatment. His treatment was going pretty well, but in July 2020, he relapsed for the first time. He restarted chemo and went in for a surgery, but due to the location of the tumour, it couldn’t be removed. Instead, he completed 28 days of radiation. He finished his main treatment around Christmas 2020 and was able to celebrate his 2nd birthday. Eli was free of cancer for three whole months, before relapsing in March 2021. This time, there were 5 tumours in his abdomen, and there was no cure. He went on a trial for two months, before scans showed that it wasn’t working. Eli passed away on June 13, 2021, at just 2 years old. His life may have been short, but his story and light will last forever. Fly high Eli.

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