At first glance, he might look like a typical 13 year old, but Eli Kortan from Colome, South Dakota has a personality that touches everyone he meets.
Eli’s mom, Shannon, says Eli was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, a form of autism that affects social behavior and emotional expression, while he was in the sixth grade. In addition to Aspergers, Eli was diagnosed with leukemia in January.
The individuals and businesses that make up the community around Colome, where the family has lived for five years, have come together to for what they call “Eli’s Army” to raise support for the family in any way they can. Eli’s father, Scott, says they’re thankful to be living where they are, and they’re humbled by their ‘army’.
The last word on his treatments found just very small traces of cancer in his bone marrow, but at just 13, Eli is at “high risk” and will continue treatments for about three years. In the meantime, he plans to continue pranking his nurses…
Elis-Army can be found at this link.
