11 Year Old Fighting Cancer Finds a Way to Encourage Others
By: Lindsey Bryant
Updated: November 30, 2012
Artists marvel at his work. Some of his paintings have gone for thousands of dollars at auctions. The artist? The amazing Elijah Talley.
"Most people don't know when they see it they don't know it was done by an 11 year old. Then they see it's done by a kid that's not even half their age. They are surprised," Elijah Talley said.
Elijah's favorite piece of art is his painting of Einstein.
"It looks cool and when I was in 2nd grade, I read a book about him(Einstein). And I was really interested in him.
He overcame a lot of challenges and that's what i like about him," Elijah said.
Elijah has overcome many challenges in his eleven years.
"When I was 4, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma," Elijah said.
Neuroblastoma is a cancer that arises in the nervous system outside of the brain. Just last night he had a stem cell rescue, continuing treatment to fight the disease. He's been through countless rounds of chemotherapy, and he's already had two stem cell transplants.
"I started going to the hospital a lot. And they have people there to teach the kids about art and painting," Elijah said.
Now, he uses art as an outlet to deal with the fear and pain from his sickness.
"You can express how you feel. What you feel. And you can pretty much say anything. Without having to say it with words," Elijah said.
Elijah dreams of owning an art gallery someday, and he is learning from Stephano of Stephano's Art Gallery in Little Rock.
"He has has an amazing talent for his age. He has amazing ability and listens very well. Best student I've ever had," Stephano said.
Stephano has been a mentor for Elijah for many reasons.
"He's my hero. Years ago I had to go through a bad virus with my heart," Stephano said.
At the time, doctors told Stephano he wouldn't make it. But he is healthy today to the amazement of his doctors. Just like Elijah continues to fight a tough diagnosis. One treatment at a time.
Stephano & Elijah inspire and teach each other.
"He's taught me more about life. He's continually going through things others could not go through," Elijah said.
Elijah still spends much of his time in the hospital receiving treatments. He depends much on prayer from others and encouragement. And when he gets down, he paints. Painting a picture of hope for the future.
Click here for more information on Elijah's website.
"Most people don't know when they see it they don't know it was done by an 11 year old. Then they see it's done by a kid that's not even half their age. They are surprised," Elijah Talley said.
Elijah's favorite piece of art is his painting of Einstein.
"It looks cool and when I was in 2nd grade, I read a book about him(Einstein). And I was really interested in him.
He overcame a lot of challenges and that's what i like about him," Elijah said.
Elijah has overcome many challenges in his eleven years.
"When I was 4, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma," Elijah said.
Neuroblastoma is a cancer that arises in the nervous system outside of the brain. Just last night he had a stem cell rescue, continuing treatment to fight the disease. He's been through countless rounds of chemotherapy, and he's already had two stem cell transplants.
"I started going to the hospital a lot. And they have people there to teach the kids about art and painting," Elijah said.
Now, he uses art as an outlet to deal with the fear and pain from his sickness.
"You can express how you feel. What you feel. And you can pretty much say anything. Without having to say it with words," Elijah said.
Elijah dreams of owning an art gallery someday, and he is learning from Stephano of Stephano's Art Gallery in Little Rock.
"He has has an amazing talent for his age. He has amazing ability and listens very well. Best student I've ever had," Stephano said.
Stephano has been a mentor for Elijah for many reasons.
"He's my hero. Years ago I had to go through a bad virus with my heart," Stephano said.
At the time, doctors told Stephano he wouldn't make it. But he is healthy today to the amazement of his doctors. Just like Elijah continues to fight a tough diagnosis. One treatment at a time.
Stephano & Elijah inspire and teach each other.
"He's taught me more about life. He's continually going through things others could not go through," Elijah said.
Elijah still spends much of his time in the hospital receiving treatments. He depends much on prayer from others and encouragement. And when he gets down, he paints. Painting a picture of hope for the future.
Click here for more information on Elijah's website.
