On Saturday, September 9th, an extraordinary fundraiser, Eli the Brave’s Birthday Benefit, unfolded in the auditorium at Palm Beach Central High School, dedicated to the late Eli Paine.
Known for his love of dance, playful jokes, and family fun, Eli faced the challenging journey of a DIPG diagnosis at the age of five. DIPG, a brain tumor affecting the brainstem in young children, became his relentless foe for two years until he courageously passed away at the tender age of seven.
In commemoration of what would have been Eli’s eighth birthday, his parents, Rachel and Christopher Paine, organized this heartfelt benefit to raise funds for DIPG research. Eli’s older sister, June, created shirts adorned with beautiful rainbows, ensuring that her brother’s memory was celebrated in vibrant colors. The event took place in September, aligning with Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, further emphasizing the importance of the cause.