Wilsonville Spokesman Online

Wilsonville boy recognized for bravely fighting leukemia

Eli Walker was named a Community Hero

• Published: 9/11/2009 10:54:04 AM

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Eli Walker’s portrait will be unveiled during a free public family festival, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the World Trade Center in Portland. This is an all-ages event with live music, face painting, arts and crafts activities, and balloon art. For more information, visit www.JoyRx.org.

Five-year-old Eli Walker of Wilsonville, who has bravely battled the illness acute lymphoblastic leukemia with Guillain Barre Syndrome, has been named a 2009 Community Hero by the Children’s Cancer Association (CCA).

He was nominated and selected for the award because of his exceptional courage, wisdom and grace in the face of serious medical challenges.

When Eli’s parents were asked what makes their child special in regard to how he faced his diagnosis, they said, “Eli never wonders, ‘Why me?’ Eli has a complete lack of self pity.”

The Children’s Cancer Association announces each August its roster of Community Heroes, an exceptional group of 25 children and teens who have fought life-threatening illness with strength and character.

The award is given to children and teens in Oregon and Southwest Washington and these exceptional individuals are honored and celebrated throughout the next 12 months. Community Heroes are selected each year from a group of 100 children and teens nominated by local medical professionals and represent a diverse group in terms of age, ethnicity and diagnosis. The Portland-based Children’s Cancer Association created the award and manages the program.

Community Heroes are also honored throughout the year with the Wall of Courage, a traveling display that features photographs and information about each honoree. The wall celebrates the remarkable achievements of each hero and serves as inspiration for everyone who visits this display.

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