I’m shocked and devastated to share instead that Eli passed away this past Saturday morning, August 26th. 

Things changed so incredibly fast this last week. We learned on Tuesday that Eli’s treatment options were at an end - his kidneys were really struggling with the current regimen and there weren’t really any options to move to that he would be able to tolerate. The doctors told us they were handing us off to home hospice care and the palliative care team. They predicted he had weeks left.

We got set up with hospice on Wednesday, and by Thursday the nurse told us he was likely in kidney failure. He was unconscious most of the time, a bit confused, and had trouble communicating. The nurse told us it was a matter of days, maybe a week. By Friday, the nurse said get everyone who wants to see him here now. 

And we did. A flood of family and friends rushed to Rochester to sit with him and say their goodbyes. I am so thankful for the time people were able to spend with Eli that day. 

We took shifts sitting with Eli all night, and he passed Saturday morning. 

It was a brutal few days as circumstances constantly changed and we were trying to mentally keep up. But I am so thankful for the love and care people have shown this year and continue to show us now.

Thank you everyone for everything as Eli’s family, friends, and myself start navigating this next chapter of grieving and honoring him.