Meet Eliana, a beautiful, vibrant 18 year old who is battling a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer called DSRCT (Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor). This form of cancer typically affects young males but Eli was diagnosed with stage 4 DSRCT at age 17 and has been battling bravely for almost two years.

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Eli has remained positive throughout her treatment and truly embodies the Project Sol Flower motto: live your bucket list. She says her family (6 brothers and a new baby sister!) keeps her grounded and focused on living every day to the best of her ability; she definitely does not let cancer define her!

Eli just turned 19 so we created a series of bucket list experiences to help her celebrate her birthday. She started by checking off a major bucket list dream with her mom, step-dad and boyfriend when they all went skydiving!

 

We've heard people say that they don't skydive for the thrill so much as they do for the freedom they feel when they step out of the plane. Our hope is that Eliana felt a sense of freedom and a momentary reprieve from all things cancer as she experienced her first free fall.

 

Next up for Eliana is a weekend in Estes Park, CO with her family and boyfriend over her birthday weekend. We found a luxury mountain home where they could unwind, relax and connect in a beautiful setting.

 

Eli and her boyfriend will also stay one night at the famous Stanley Hotel, known for its hauntings and paranormal activity, and attend a seance while they are there.

 

During her stay in Estes Park, the birthday girl will also enjoy a private hot air balloon ride with her boyfriend and brothers, complete with swag and a special photo shoot. Happy Birthday to you Eliana!

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Meet Eliana, our second Bucket List Dream recipient for 2023! This beautiful 18 year old has desmoplastic small round cell sarcoma, which is a type of cancer that forms in the connective tissues in the body. Everything in her life has been impacted by her illness. She's unable to do all the normal things kids her age are doing like going to school, getting a job, socializing and traveling.

 

She has a few items on her bucket list, including a spa weekend, hot air balloon ride, skydiving or a stay at the famous Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO and we can't wait to see what she picks!

Eliana wanted a glamorous photo shoot with her best friend, and fellow Sol Flower Dreamer Quincy, complete with professional makeup, styling and wardrobe changes! We rented the Disco Den, an adorable Airbnb in Westminster, CO, and used it as the backdrop for the photo shoot. We stocked the Disco Den with tasty treats, games, matching PJ's, Polaroid cameras and more. We wanted to create the ultimate

"girl's day" for these two special ladies and ensure they felt spoiled and celebrated!

 

Eliana and Quincy met in the hospital during cancer treatment and formed a deep bond and special friendship. What's noteworthy about Eli's bucket list glam photo day is that it was the first time these two best friends were able to spend time together outside of the hospital. Time and time again, our dreamers tell us they just want to feel like a "normal person" and experience the same things their peers are doing and that experiencing a bucket list dream allows them to do just that.

 

A special thank you to The Denver Hospice who provided a nurse for the day, making this entire experience possible for Eli and Quincy. Amber with Ah-Mobile Spas was as lovely and kind as she was talented, and took great care in giving each of the girls a custom look they loved. Chelsey Bibeau Photography captured the most beautiful images of Eli and Quincy, helping to create lasting memories and a wonderful keepsake for the girls and their families.

 

When we say it takes a village to help us roll out these dreams, we aren't exaggerating. But it all starts with the generosity of our donors and supporters; if you feel called to donate, you can do so here. If you have an in-kind donation or service you'd like to offer, please contact us.