Running through the Mother Seton Garden playground at the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart, you’d never know 10-year-old Elliot Rowell was once a patient here.

When Elliot was only three, he was diagnosed with retinoblastoma. After surgery to remove the tumor along with his eye, his family thought they were out of the woods. However, after his cancer returned, Elliot began chemotherapy at Studer Family Children’s Hospital. During his treatment, he formed a bond with his physical therapist, Mark.

Heather, Elliot’s mom says, “I remember Mark coming in and he was just like sunlight. He knew how to help him, but he also knew how to become a friend.”

Mark wasn’t the only one who brought sunshine into Elliot’s life. Heather and her husband Joe recall the many doctors and nurses who took the time to care for Elliot. From answering many questions to attentively caring to Elliot, the medical staff became like a family to the Rowell's.

Elliot is now 5-years cancer free! He says, “I want to be what Mr. Mark was. He helps people get strong and he makes people laugh.”

Elliot is now learning to play guitar, loves rock music, and is a walking rock anthology. His painting is inspired by one of his favorite musicians, Eddie Van Halen.