Hamilton community rallying around 4-year-old boy diagnosed with brain cancer
By Daisy Kershaw
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CINCINNATI (WLWT) — A Hamilton family is fighting to help their 4-year-old as he battles a rare form of brain cancer.
Three months ago, Eli Chamberlain was diagnosed with grade four glioma, an aggressive, often terminal brain cancer.
In late April, doctors at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital operated on Eli for 11 hours to remove a tumor the size of an orange from his brain.
His parents say he still has three tumors that are inoperable.
Now, he’s undergoing radiation.
“Hearing that your child has cancer is something no parent wants to hear,” said mom Amber Chamberlain.
It started with lingering cold symptoms. When Amber and dad Cody Chamberlain brought Eli to see a pediatrician, they never thought it would lead to a cancer diagnosis.
They’re now urging parents to trust their instincts if they suspect their child is experiencing any symptoms that are concerning.
“It’s a hard thing to wrap your head around; the odds are, we don’t really know how much time we have with him,” said Cody.
That’s why the Chamberlain family isn’t taking a moment for granted.
“He loves to make people laugh. He loves to be goofy,” said Amber, talking about time spent playing with Eli.
Amber and Cody say they remind Eli every day of his strength.
“One thing I always tell him is you’re brave like a lion. And now you. He says now that he’s brave like a lion,” says Amber.
That’s where the phrase “Roaring for Eli” started, their community in Hamilton now part of his pride.
“Something like this happens, and you see … People actually care. People show up whenever you need them,” said Cody.
Loved ones helped organize a fundraiser to support the family with work leave and medical costs.
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