Elliott

Treatment Timeline

On August 18, 2021, just one day after turning four weeks old, Elliott was taken to the ER due to vomiting and lethargy. Recognizing that his fontanelle was not sunken in, the ER doctor ordered a CT scan, which revealed hydrocephalus and a mass in his brain. Elliott was immediately transported to a specialized hospital with more experience in pediatric oncology.

On August 19, 2021, just 12 hours after first entering the ER, Elliott underwent a craniotomy. Surgeons aimed to remove as much of the tumor as possible and perform a biopsy, though his family was warned that it was likely atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT). Ultimately, surgeons successfully removed roughly 90% of the tumor. About a week later, the official diagnosis of ATRT was confirmed. 

On September 14, Elliott began his first cycle of chemotherapy, and a week later, he was finally discharged after spending 35 consecutive days in the hospital. Over the course of the next year, Elliott fought through 16 more cycles of chemotherapy. Just two weeks after finishing chemotherapy, his family traveled out of state so Elliott could receive 30 rounds of radiation.

On December 20, 2022, after a total of 490 days, Elliott completed his full treatment protocol.

"Elliott is remarkably strong, a joyful and happy boy who continues to keep a smile on his face and lights up our lives and those around him," his family shares. "We are incredibly lucky to be his parents."

Navigating the Journey

After Elliott finished treatment, while he continued to have every 3 month MRI scans, but his family faced the difficult transition of figuring out what a "new normal" looked like without constant hospital visits. 

"Our home away from home was the hospital," his parents explain. "The hospital and their staff was what we knew and our comfort as new parents going through the unthinkable." Because Elliott was diagnosed at such a young age during the height of the pandemic, most of his family had not even met him until his first birthday. 

With time, the family found their footing, though they continue to navigate ongoing challenges. Due to the toxicity of his chemotherapy and radiation, Elliott experienced significant hearing loss and continues to face developmental delays. His family remains dedicated to finding and providing the support he needs to develop and thrive. Through it all, connecting with the ATRT community has been an invaluable resource, especially when facing an uncertain future.

Yet, Elliott’s resilient spirit shines through every obstacle.

"Though we have setbacks, Elliott continues to surprise us and achieve things we weren't sure he would ever be able to do," his family says. "We are grateful for all of his milestones, whenever he decides to make them happen!"

Follow Elliott's Fight

You can follow Elliott’s inspiring journey and show your support by joining his Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/elliottthefighter