Photographer brings to life dreams of children with cancer

(Jen Jacobson/KSL)


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SALT LAKE CITY — Tom and Jill Hill adopted their son when he was just two days old.

“We felt like Eli needed to come to our home,” said Jill.

Tom says Eli has always been a happy child. That same attitude helped get him through cancer.

“It was a tough call to make,” said Tom. “You can fight cancer through surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Eli has had all three of those. We’ll continue to fight this.”

In July of 2014, Eli was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Less than a week ago, Eli learned he’s officially in remission.

“We still have to follow the protocol,” said Tom. “He’s working his way through this journey with a great attitude. He’s a great inspiration to all those who know him."

#cancer

Tom also says Eli has gained compassion during this trial.

“It’s amazing to see a kid who just turned 8 to be able to administer compassion,” said Tom. “That’s an upside in this adventure.”

Eli’s story caught the attention of photographer Jonathon Diaz.

Diaz created and founded a non-profit organization called 'Anything Can Be.'

“Our mission is to create lasting hope,” said Diaz. “When I say lasting it has to do with survival. We want to inspire these kids that they can do anything. Especially overcome cancer.”

Eli’s mother heard about the program and jumped on board the opportunity for her son to live out his dreams.

“Eli loves extreme sports,” said Jill. “Jon (Diaz) has been amazing.”

Diaz was once a family photographer but decided to share his artistic passion in a more meaningful way.

“(For Eli’s shoot), Eli has actual BMX gear that a real racer would have. We do everything possible to fit them into whatever dream they have,” he said.

In addition to a photo shoot, Diaz decided he would organize an additional event for Eli to meet BMX pro racers in real life.

Diaz says events are a great way to get the word out about 'Anything Can Be' and he is currently looking for more sponsors to give children with cancer an additional experience of bringing their dreams to life.

"We decided we wanted to do something really fun," said Diaz. "Extreme sports is very entertaining so we started working with different sponsors."


I want them to believe that there is a much better world for them, that their dreams can come true and that they can overcome anything no matter what it is – especially cancer.

–Jonathon Diaz


During the event, Eli signed a one-night honorary contract to become a BMX Pro. Diaz says these moments are very fulfilling to him.

“Eli has the most infectious smile. He’s an amazing young man," Diaz said. "I think that’s one of the best parts about this project. He can just be a kid and not worry about cancer.”

Diaz says he spends about 20 to 30 hours on each image per project.

In the meantime, he is also creating a book that will be released in September, which is pediatric cancer awareness month.

“It’s called ‘I can dream.’ We have 21 images of 21 kids who have fought cancer or are fighting cancer currently,” Diaz said.

Twenty-one best-selling authors are also writing short stories for each of the children in the book. Each story is based on their dreams.

“We have amazing authors such as Shannon Hill, Allie Condie and Brandon Mall who are New York Times best selling authors,” said Diaz. “It’s going to be an amazing book.”

Diaz says the purpose of the book is to help other children fighting cancer realize that they are not alone and that they, too can conquer cancer.

Thanks to 'Anything Can Be,' Eli Hill's dreams of becoming a BMX pro racer has come to life.
Thanks to 'Anything Can Be,' Eli Hill's dreams of becoming a BMX pro racer has come to life.

“(We want to) get the stories of these kids fighting cancer in front of other kids also fighting cancer so they can get that inspiration and they can believe anything is possible,” said Diaz.

Diaz said he never knew any child with cancer before he started his project.

“My dream is to take a photo for every child fighting cancer,” he said.

'Anything Can Be' is also looking for sponsors. To schedule a shoot or learn how you can contribute to the cause, visit AnythingCanBeProject.com for more information.

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Jen Jacobson

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