Eric's journey with cancer began on January 2, 2019, when he went to the doctor for a debilitating headache. The doctor sent him in for an MRI to get a clear scan of his body. Within a couple of hours, the doctor notified him that he had a 3" tumor in the front of his brain and needed to get to the hospital as soon as possible. At the hospital, Eric was diagnosed with Glioblastoma IV, which is a highly aggressive form of brain cancer that produces fast-growing malignant brain tumors.  

Within just a few days, Eric had brain surgery where the surgeon was able to remove 85% of the tumor from his brain. Eric started chemo and radiation to keep the remainder of the tumor controlled and as minute as possible. Eric has remained on chemotherapy for 7 years since then, making the side effects and impact on his body look easy. 

Just 4 months after the surgery, Eric was running his first Head for the Cure 5K, in benefit of brain cancer research. Eric proudly created a team full of warriors and proudly calls them The Rebellion. Eric's intention with his team was to set the standard for fighting brain cancer, rising in opposition, and rebelling against cancer. This is a perfect glimpse into who Eric is. Eric is resilient, strong, and inspiration to everyone he comes into contact with. 

Eric has fought every single day to maintain a positive outlook on life and to help others fight, all while being an incredible husband, father, son, uncle, friend, and ally.   

This past summer, in July of 2025, we were devastated by the results of Eric's MRI, where they found his cancer to be growing significantly. A 2nd brain surgery was performed to remove the additional tumor where he came out even stronger than his first brain surgery. Eric continued to make the fight look easy. 

In December of 2025, we received news that Eric's tumors were continuing to grow and no longer responding to chemotherapy and radiation. The option to perform a 3rd brain surgery for removal was taken away from us this time, as the cancer is intertwined through major parts of Eric's brain and the operation would result in significant disability or worse. 

We received the same news in January, February, and March of 2026. 

Over the last few weeks, Eric has rapidly declined from normal and capable of daily function, to no longer being able to drive, walk, speak, etc. Eric cannot do anything on his own, other than sleep. Eric cannot be alone and has to have someone with him at all times.

This rapid decline has resulted in unexpected medical bills, leave from work for multiple family members, and significant mental health/emotional suffering for everyone who loves and cares for Eric. Eric's outlook on life has never faltered and his contagious smile continues to lighten up everyone's life.    

The following is a glimpse into an excerpt from Eric that he wrote in 2023, as he came upon his 4th year of fighting this horrible illness 

"First off let me tell you that I would be nothing without my wife Jennifer...We met more than 27 years ago and it was at that moment that I knew she was going to change my life, I just didn't know how much. When I was just 42 years old I would be hit with the biggest challenge anyone could ever imagine. We had two young boys, Ethan and Logan, and had really just begun living. My family means so much to me. I was so very proud of everything that we had accomplished up to that time and was very excited about our future together...Jennifer was there the night my doctor called and all she said was "Let's go". She is always on my side and helps me stay positive every day. I really don't know what I ever did to be able to have such a beautiful, loving, supportive, strong woman in my life. I don't know where or who I would be without her. She has been to every appointment, MRI, x-ray, hospital stay, consultation, and trips to see new doctor's and get second opinions. She makes sure I stay on my medication schedule, sets up all of my appointments, schedules all my medicine deliveries, and also arranges care for our 2 boys whenever we have anything come up. Jennifer, I love you. You are my rock. You are my all!" 

This fundraiser is to help support the Hillis Family during this time full of challenges and hardship. With your help, we will be able to continue fighting this horrible illness and provide the healthcare that Eric needs. Please join us in uplifting and showing love to not only Eric, but his caretakers and children as well.