Ely is 15 and lives in Boca Raton, Florida. He is one of five siblings. His hobbies include rooting for the Miami Dolphins and cooking. When Ely was diagnosed with cancer at age 12, Chai Lifeline volunteers came to visit while he was in the hospital for treatment, bringing games and snacks to entertain him throughout the day.
During the school year, he participates together with his siblings in i-Shine Southeast, Chai Lifeline's national afterschool program for children living illness or loss in their homes. There, children receive homework help, participate in organized activities, and a hot dinner.
Chai Lifeline also gave him a special gift for his 13th birthday. "They arranged for my whole bar mitzvah party – it was awesome!" said Ely.
Ely has been attending Camp Simcha for the past two summers and is now cancer-free. His favorite camp activity is Sliced, a cooking competition modeled after the popular TV show Chopped.
"I love the people at Chai Lifeline and Camp Simcha," said Ely. "They are so energetic, loving, caring and funny. They are the best."
Updated September 2019.
