Ryan Mott was diagnosed with a terminal brain cancer called DIPG at the age of 8. We knew he had less than a year to live. Our main focus was making memories and hoping for a miracle.
Since the day of his diagnosis (June 16, 2015), Ellie’s Elves was there to help us fulfill our focus of making memories and spending as much time as we could with Ryan. From organizing a trip to Myrtle Beach, a room makeover for Ryan, a FIESTA fundraiser to help with medical bills, and a candlelight memorial for Ryan after his passing.
The biggest impact on our family was celebrating Christmas with gold ornaments and Whoville. Ryan’s favorite Christmas movie was “The Grinch Stole Christmas” and Joni and her elves transformed our house into Whoville. The community came out and celebrated Ryan’s last Christmas.
The night was filled with laughter, Lamborghini’s, the Grinch, Santa Claus and all of our friends and family. The look on Ryan’s face was priceless.
Eight years later, it’s a memory I hold onto. It brings me joy to relive those moments year after year. I will be forever grateful and thankful for Joni, the elves, and the community for making the last year we had with Ryan the most memorable.
Michelle Calvin | October 24, 2023
