Elias Begay was diagnosed with Philadelphia-like Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of 10 in February 2019.  A very active boy, Elias was in cross country, basketball, and football. He became sick at school one day and had to be picked up. His dad asked, “Do you want to go to the hospital, or do you want to stay home and see if you get better?’” Elias replied, “I think I need to go to the hospital.”  His family took him to the local medical clinic.  After spending hours at the office, the physician alerted the family that Elias needed to go to the ER, meaning a flight to Phoenix as he lived in Page, AZ.

Elias was diagnosed with cancer, blood cancer.  From then on, Elias and his family began their blood cancer journey for almost 2 years.  Trips to Phoenix Children’s Hospital from Page, AZ (over 5 hours one way) for treatments became routine. The family rearranged many things just to make ends meet. His mom, Shandiin, had to leave her job because of long treatment stays and the community in Page did what they could to help, organizing fundraisers. Elias also needed a stem implant, and there was a challenge of finding a match.  Thanks to his younger brother, Quanah, he was able to donate his stem cells to help Elias beat cancer. After many challenges, came triumph and Elias finally rang the bell in July 2021.  Elias, now 13 years old, is ready to live his new chapter in life. He is one amazing kid, with dreams of being a running back or wide receiver and loves playing chess! His family continues to fight blood cancer and stand beside him with positivity, hope and prayers.  He is a true survivor, enjoying every moment and milestone alongside his family.