Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission
Live Like Elias Foundation, Inc. is committed to advocating for families of children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) and pediatric brain tumors, supporting children throughout their journey, and investing research that brings hope, improves outcomes and moves us closer to a cure.
Our Vision
A world where no child faces Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) or pediatric brain tumors alone, and where families have a trusted place to ask questions, find support, and stand together until a cure becomes not just a hope, but a reality.
Our Story: Live Like Elias.
A legacy of faith, a life of strength and the hope for a cure.
The love, the relentless fight, the commitment to never give up: it lives at the heart of everything LLEF does today.
Live Like Elias Foundation, Inc. was born from a mother's unwavering faith and love for her son. From the moment Elias was diagnosed, she became his fiercest advocate, researching tirelessly, asking difficult questions, seeking second opinions from specialists across the country, and doing everything within her power to ensure he received the very best care. She refused to settle for anything less.
Throughout every stage of his journey, she remained committed to caring for Elias, nurturing his physical health, strengthening his faith, and protecting his emotional well-being. She understood that a strong foundation of love, hope, and support is just as important as medical treatment, especially during a battle that demands so much from a child and their family.
The road was not easy. Treatment brought unimaginable challenges, particularly during Elias' second round of radiation. It was a season filled with pain, uncertainty, and exhaustion. Yet through every obstacle, Elias chose joy. His courage, resilience, and radiant spirit inspired everyone who knew him. He showed us what it truly means to live with hope, even in the hardest moments.
Today, Live Like Elias Foundation, Inc. carries that legacy forward. We exist to support families of children affected by NF1 and pediatric brain tumors, provide resources that ease the burden of treatment, raise awareness, and invest in research that brings us closer to a cure.
We invite you to become apart of Elias' legacy. Whether you share your story, volunteer your time, support a family, or make a donation, your generosity helps ensure that no child faces this journey alone. Together, we can bring hope, inspire courage, and honor Elias by living each day with the heart of a champ.
Meet Elias: Our Forever "Champ."
On July 11, 2016, Elias Carter Dukes, a handsome, bright-eyed, baby boy was born. At 6 weeks of age, he was diagnosed with a rare, genetic, neurological condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), which causes tumors to form along nerves anywhere throughout the body. Elias had been followed, since his diagnosis at 6 weeks old at UNC Chapel Hill, by a variety of medical providers and specialists, both locally and at UNC, for his NF1 and had obtained several frequent NF checks and scans.
Outside of his diagnosis, nothing stopped him! Elias was an athlete to the core and was willing to try any sport. He played Football, Basketball, Baseball, Soccer and participated in Taekwondo, but his love for Football ran DEEP!! Elias also enjoyed playing outside with his friends, riding his bike and electric scooter, going swimming, climbing rock walls, jumping on his trampoline/going to jump parks, and riding ATVs. Elias loved the Lord and was very active in his church, Willis Creek A.M.E. Zion. He served as an Acolyte, Drummer, Jr. Greeter, Children’s Choir Member where he led several songs, and Jr. Audio-Visual (AV) Team Member. Elias was led to preach. He preached his first and final sermon at church on January 19th, 2026, which was entitled, “I’m Still Free.” Very fitting!
On May 21, 2024, Elias, now 7 years old, went for a scan at UNC. That was turning point. A tumor was identified that was typical of NF1 and the medical advice was to “watch and wait” because of a variety of reasons: it was inoperable due to location, he was asymptomatic, NF1 tumors are usually benign, NF1 tumor growth tends to slow down during the second decade of life, and it the tumor appeared to be growing very, very slowly. Elias Mom obtained second and third opinions over the course of several months from two other major hospitals specializing in NF1 and pediatric brain tumors. The medical advice given by the two other hospitals was to "watch and wait."
July 8, 2025, Elias became symptomatic. After a scan and a meeting with the medical team on July 9th, 2025, our lives changed forever. On July 11, 2025, his 9th birthday, Elias had his first brain surgery from that day forward, we affectionately called him our “Champ.”
Over the course of several months, he endured 2 brain surgeries, 2 rounds of radiation, and 2 types of chemotherapy. He took lots of medication, attended multiple medical appointments and received several scans. The words "Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG)", a rare, aggressive, pediatric brain tumor became a part of the scenario, and in spite of it all, Elias still kept the faith. He still remained mentally strong and as physically strong as he could. He still had hope. Elias courageously battled Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) and Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) with a bravery that touched everyone who knew him.
As written in 1 Samuel 1:27, “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him.” Elias was that prayer answered—a gift, a joy, and a love that will never fade.
On May 1st, 2026, he became our forever “Champ”. Though his time here was far too short, his life was full of purpose and meaning. His laughter still echoes, his love still surrounds us, and his spirit will live on forever.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever 9.
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