This year we are riding for Elliot Heller. Elliot is a third grader at Southern Bluffs Elementary School in La Crosse, WI. This little dude is always on the go. He’s a swimmer and a footballer. He’s a go-karter and a pedal puller. He’s a brother and a farmer, a climber and a dreamer. He’s a jokester and unbelievably clever.
In September 2015, Elliot pointed out a small bump near his hip bone to his parents. A few weeks later, after many tests and new doctors, the family was given devastating news. Elliot was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma cancer. This is rare cancer which attacks Elliot’s soft tissue.
Elliot and his Mom resided for 35 days at the Ronald McDonald house in Rochester while he received daily proton beam radiation treatments. Chemo made him pretty darn sick, he wasn’t able to finish up his football season, he missed almost all of third grade, an entire season of swim team, and he won’t be able to run track this spring… but he never complained! Not once.
Elliot had surgery in the beginning of January. They took 1/3 of one leg muscles and skin to move to the spot they “excavated”. He also received intraoperative radiation, he woke up numb on the outside of that leg that could be permanent, only time will tell. Elliot’s chemo and radiation treatments at Mayo continued for several weeks after his surgery.
Elliot’s sister, Emma, is eleven years old and is Elliot’s biggest fan. His mom, Julia, works for Organic Valley and the Driftless Café. His dad, Ryan, works for Potato King. The Hellers are a wonderful and giving family, and now they need our help and support. STAND WITH EL to fight cancer!
Join us as we Ride for a Reason and grant Elliot Heller his wish with Big Bikes for Little Tikes 2016!
