Elio’s Story

Meet Elio – The 2021 Miracle Kid

Elio is twelve years old and he is battling a second round of Ewing’s sarcoma with Asante.

When you meet Elio, you’ll understand immediately why he was nominated as this year’s Miracle Kid. His attitude, strength and positivity are incredible—coining his current situation as his “mountain to climb.” Vanessa, his mom is grateful for the doctors, nurses and donors who make this treatment possible for Elio, close to home.

As an active 10-year-old, pain in his knee made it difficult to do the sports and activities he loved. Like many childhood cancers, it was initially diagnosed as growing pains, until one day, his leg swelled up to the size of a softball. After a visit to the Asante Emergency Department, an ultrasound revealed an abnormality. This led to a biopsy—revealing Elio had Ewing’s sarcoma, a type of bone cancer. After surgery and months of chemotherapy and radiation, Elio learned he successfully beat cancer.

Just five months later, the cancer returned in his lungs. Dr. Plummer at Asante Rogue Regional, 15-minutes from his home, is taking care of him for a second time.

Like many families, Elio and his mom, Vanessa, initially spent hours in the car travelling to Portland for his pediatric cancer treatment. This meant that they were separated from younger brother, Enzo, and missed days of school and activities. That was until they learned of Dr. Plummer at Asante Rogue Regional. She makes it possible for Elio to receive his treatments minutes from home, where he can spend each night with his brother.