A Legacy of Impact
Today is the 12th anniversary of the day my 7-year-old son Eli passed away after a long battle with cancer. I'll admit, I debated simply resharing something that I had written in the past, but then I noticed that my last post was 5 years ago.
In some ways, not a lot has changed since 2019. Eli is still missed every single day and our passion for raising funds for childhood cancer research and support programs only grows.
In other ways, a lot has changed. Beat Cancer Today, Inc. has formed new partnerships with sports teams like the Cedar Rapids Kernels, the Waterloo Bucks, and the Iowa Heartlanders. We have also partnered with the Lions Clubs International, especially in Iowa, to raise even more awareness and funds. In fact, they invited me to speak at the United Nations last year to address the importance of supporting childhood cancer families.
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People and connections have changed too. Eli's siblings are older now. His classmates graduated high school last year (and honored him at their graduation ceremony). His legacy continues to impact people, including the growing number of people that didn't get to meet him. As I make new connections, it doesn't take long for people to hear about Eli. I'm still bummed that they didn't get the chance to meet him in person, but my friend David paid me the highest compliment once by saying, "Eli is special and I am amazed by him. Having never met him physically, I feel like I know him through you." Eli was witty, sarcastic, incredibly kind, and a natural leader. I don't think he was like me as much as I try to be like him.
As is often the case on January 18th, I received a lot of great messages from folks today telling me that they were thinking of Eli and the rest of us. Even 12 years later, those assurances that Eli will never be forgotten continue and I appreciate them more than words can express.
Aaron Horn?is the President of?BeatCancerToday.org, a nonprofit that raises funds for childhood cancer research and patient/family support programs and Chairman of the Board of?Candlelighters NYC, a nonprofit that helps families get through the difficult times when a child is diagnosed with and being treated for cancer, "...because kids can't fight cancer alone!" #elisarmy
So inspired by #elisarmy and their fight to #beatcancer! ?? Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Your collective strength is a testament to this. If you’re looking for a powerful way to unite further, consider joining our upcoming event for the Guinness World Record of Tree Planting. It's a beautiful cause that also nurtures the planet. ??? https://bit.ly/TreeGuinnessWorldRecord
Vice President at MidWestOne Bank
1 年Thinking of you! I love that you continue to share his story and legacy.,
Client Executive
1 年??
Retired Agriculture Professional
1 年Prayers for you, Aaron, and Eli’s mom. I guess you learn to live with the hurt. Knowing the great things you’ve done for others is an encouragement to us all.
Senior Account Manager - Public Safety/911
1 年God Bless Aaron.