Living Her Bucket List with Courage and Joy

​Eliana is a vibrant and beautiful 19-year-old who has been bravely battling a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer called Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT). Typically affecting young males, Eli was diagnosed with stage 4 DSRCT at just 17 years old and has faced her fight with incredible strength for nearly two years.

 

Despite the challenges, Eli radiates positivity and truly embodies Project Sol Flower’s motto: Live Your Bucket List. Surrounded by her loving family—including six brothers and a new baby sister—Eliana stays grounded and focused on living each day to the fullest. She refuses to let cancer define her.

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A Birthday to Remember

To celebrate Eli’s 19th birthday, we designed a series of unforgettable bucket list experiences just for her.

 

Skydiving for Freedom

Eliana kicked off her birthday celebration with an adrenaline-filled skydiving adventure alongside her mom, stepdad, and boyfriend. Many say skydiving is less about the thrill and more about the feeling of freedom. Our greatest hope was that Eli experienced a sense of liberation and a break from the weight of cancer as she soared through the sky.

 

A Magical Weekend in Estes Park

Next, Eli and her family enjoyed a relaxing weekend getaway in beautiful Estes Park, CO. They stayed in a luxurious mountain home, providing the perfect setting to unwind and create special memories. Eli and her boyfriend even spent a night at the famously haunted Stanley Hotel, complete with attending a séance to embrace the hotel’s paranormal charm.

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Soaring Above the Mountains

The celebration continued with a private hot air balloon ride for Eli, her boyfriend, and her brothers. Floating above the breathtaking Colorado landscape, they enjoyed this peaceful and awe-inspiring moment together. To make it even more special, we organized a custom photo shoot and provided fun swag to capture these unforgettable memories.

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A Glamorous Day with a Best Friend

One of Eli’s heartfelt wishes was to have a glamorous photo shoot with her best friend and fellow Sol Flower Dreamer, Quincy. The two met during cancer treatment and developed a deep and meaningful friendship. This photo shoot was extra special because it was the first time they spent time together outside the hospital.

We transformed the whimsical Disco Den Airbnb in Westminster, CO, into the ultimate girls' retreat. The space was filled with sweet treats, games, matching pajamas, Polaroid cameras, and all the essentials for a perfect girls’ day.

 

Eli and Quincy were treated to professional makeup and styling by the incredibly kind and talented Amber from Ah-Mobile Spas, who made sure each girl felt beautiful and confident. The day was captured by Chelsey Bibeau Photography, providing stunning photos that will be treasured by both families.

A heartfelt thank you goes to The Denver Hospice, whose nurse support made this special day possible.

It Takes a Village

 

Creating these unforgettable moments wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our donors and supporters. When we say it takes a village, we truly mean it.

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