5-Year-Old Cumberland County Child Inspires Doctors and Nurses in Cancer Fight

Elliot Kelley, who has Down syndrome, has been battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with the support of Four Diamonds.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Elliot Kelley, a 5-year-old from Newville, Pennsylvania, has spent the past year battling pediatric cancer with the financial help of the Four Diamonds organization. Despite the challenges of his treatment, Elliot's positive attitude and gratitude towards the hospital staff have inspired the doctors and nurses caring for him.

Why it matters

Elliot's story highlights the impact that a child's resilience and optimism can have on the medical professionals treating them, as well as the importance of organizations like Four Diamonds that provide financial support to families facing the high costs of pediatric cancer treatment.

The details

Elliot was first diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia last April after going to the hospital for a fever. Since then, he has been in and out of Penn State Health Children's Hospital in Hershey, Pennsylvania, undergoing cancer treatment. Despite the ups and downs of his treatment, Elliot's mom, Sara, says he finds ways to bring joy to the doctors and nurses, earning him the nickname "the mayor." Even when he's feeling unwell, Elliot smiles and thanks the nurses after procedures.

  • Elliot was first diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in April 2025.
  • Elliot has been receiving cancer treatment at Penn State Health Children's Hospital in Hershey, Pennsylvania over the past year.

The players

Elliot Kelley

A 5-year-old child from Newville, Pennsylvania who has Down syndrome and is battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Sara Kelley

Elliot's mother, who has spoken about her son's positive attitude and the financial support the family has received from the Four Diamonds organization.

Dr. Gayle Smink

Elliot's pediatric oncologist, who has praised his positivity and the ability to provide the best cancer treatments without worrying about the financial burden on the family thanks to Four Diamonds.

Four Diamonds

A nonprofit organization that provides financial support to families of children with cancer treated at Penn State Health Children's Hospital, allowing them to focus on their child's care without worrying about medical bills.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He smiles at the end [of his treatment] and thanks the nurses, even though they're doing their job. They stick a needle in his chest, and he says, 'thank you' when they leave.”

— Sara Kelley, Elliot's mother (fox43.com)

“Even when he's feeling under the weather, he somehow has a smile on his face.”

— Dr. Gayle Smink, Elliot's pediatric oncologist (fox43.com)

“We have the opportunity to recommend the most current, up-to-date and best therapies without worrying how that might financially burden a family.”

— Dr. Gayle Smink, Elliot's pediatric oncologist (fox43.com)

“I can't even imagine having that financial burden because you can't put a cost on your child's life. You'd do anything.”

— Sara Kelley, Elliot's mother (fox43.com)

What’s next

As hundreds of Penn State students prepare to dance for THON, a yearly fundraising event for Four Diamonds, Elliot Kelley will be cheering on from his hospital room.

The takeaway

Elliot's story demonstrates the power of positivity and resilience in the face of a serious illness, as well as the critical role that organizations like Four Diamonds play in supporting families dealing with the financial burden of pediatric cancer treatment.