Meet Elijah Burgess. He is a 16 year old loving son, the most protective big brother, the goofiest cousin, and the kindest friend. He lives for the game of basketball and dreams of playing on the big stage one day. (I personally wouldn’t mind if it was by way of Razorback Nation. #GoHogs). His fighting spirit is phenomenal to witness on the court, but it’s his fight off the court that brings us here today.

On March 19, 2026, Elijah was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer. News like this is devastating at any age, but especially for someone so young, so vibrant, and so full of dreams. Yet Elijah faces this fight with the same fierce joy, courage, and strength he brings to everything in pursues in life.

The road to this diagnosis was not an easy one. His incredible mother, Quartisha Clay, has spent an entire year advocating for her son through repeat unexplained illnesses. Countless trips to doctors miles away, overnight stays, time away from work, coordinating support for his little sister, and lots of prayers. Never a complaint. Just a determined momma doing whatever it takes to make her son feel better, while carrying the burden alone as a single mother. She’s proven herself to be the most resilient advocate for her boy, which is why we’d love to see her community far and wide give her momma heart a soft place to land as she leads her sweet boy through his journey to recovery.

Elijah has already undergone two procedures in this fight and is scheduled for his biggest one yet on May 4, 2026. This surgery is incredibly risky and many things remain uncertain for his final course of treatment. This unfortunately means more out of town travel, more overnight stays, more time away from work, more meals away from home, more support needed for little sis, and more medical expenses for the foreseeable future.

Family, friends, and community members have been asking how they can help. This fundraiser is one way to lift a piece of the burden and provide his mother with the priceless gift of being able to focus on staying by his side throughout and ensuring he gets the best possible chance at a long, healthy, and active life. And most importantly, it reminds Quartisha and Elijah that they are not facing this fight alone.

No donation is too small, and every contribution makes a difference. If you are able to donate, share, or simply hold Elijah in your thoughts and prayers, our family would be deeply grateful. Your kindness, love, and support mean more than words can express.
 

Thank you for standing with Elijah.

Thank you for supporting his mother and she supports him.