Cancer Patient and Son Receive Special Gift to Document Adventures

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., August 3, 2018, On July 27, Daytona Beach resident Lisa Burgess and her nine-year-old son Eli visited the Cancer Institute at AdventHealth Memorial Medical Center. But instead of receiving treatment for her stage IV metastatic breast cancer, Lisa and Eli received a special gift: a GoPro Hero 6.

Eli and his mom like to go to the beach and snorkel, ride bicycles and play basketball together. In February, they have a trip planned to visit the Bahamas. Now, Eli can document all his fun memories with his mom and family! said Vanessa Hill, a licensed clinical social worker at the AdventHealth Memorial Medical Center Cancer Institute. Eli has wanted a GoPro to make videos for a YouTube channel, in hopes that he could get sponsors, so his mom wouldn't have to work during her cancer treatment.

With Lisa's diagnosis, she will likely remain on treatment for the rest of her life.

This donation was made possible by the local foundation Light the Way. Based in Ormond Beach, Light the Way assists Volusia County residents undergoing cancer treatment in a variety of ways, including providing meals, setting up house cleanings, financial assistance, as well as helping with smaller needs, such as buying a pair of new walking shoes.

When Hill heard about Elis wish for a GoPro, she reached out to Light the Way to see if they could help.

With wonderful organizations such as Light the Way, dreams can come true, said Hill.

Inside the Cancer Institute at AdventHealth Memorial Medical Center on July 27, Eli opened the gift-wrapped package, peered inside, and dropped to his knees in excitement.

During some of her toughest moments, Eli has been there to help and has been a huge support for her, Hill said. At the young age of nine, Eli has already seen and been through so much. We're grateful that we were able to partner with Light the Way so that Eli and his mom can capture all their fun memories together.

About AdventHealth Memorial Medical Center
AdventHealth Memorial Medical Center is a member of Adventist Health System, a faith-based health care organization with 46 hospital campuses in nine states, serving more than 5 million patients annually. With a mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ, AdventHealth Memorial Medical Center includes the 327-bed facility in Daytona Beach, as well as AdventHealth Oceanside with 80 beds in Ormond Beach. AdventHealth Memorial Medical Center and AdventHealth Oceanside are two of the seven AdventHealths in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties that compose the AdventHealth Central Florida Division - North Region. As the largest hospital system in the area, the AdventHealth Central Florida Division - North Region has 1,226 beds and more than 7,800 employees.