Updates: (12/6/2025)

Hi everyone!

Checking in with a quick update. Eli continues to do absolutely phenomenal. He is making such fantastic progress on the PT floor and is feeling really motivated and excited.

A couple of days ago they removed the stitches in his leg, which was a big relief for him. He said the stitches had started to bother him during PT, so he is feeling much more comfortable now.

He continues to get stronger every single day. This week he even began practicing stairs. He still uses the handrail and takes it one step at a time, but it is still such incredible progress.

He is walking really well with his walker and should hopefully start transitioning to a cane in the next few days.

His progress has been so encouraging that the doctors have given him a tentative release date of December 12. That will put him just over a month in the hospital since the accident. Having a date to work toward has definitely lit a fire under him and given him even more determination.

Once he is discharged he will need 24/7 supervision for a little while, just to ensure he is safe and supported. This does not need to be a medical professional, just someone who can be with him. Lindsay and his friends have already put together a schedule so that he is never alone, especially during the first couple of weeks.

Overall he is feeling really good. His mindset is positive, his confidence is growing, and he is starting to seem more and more like himself. He has had so many visits from friends, and it has truly been the highlight of his days.

I still cannot believe how far he has come in such a short amount of time. When I first started writing this blog, I was terrified it might end differently. But Eli has shown everyone just how strong he is. I am so proud of him for how brave and tough he has been throughout all of this.

And thank you so much to everyone in this little community. It really does take a village, and your thoughts, prayers, cards, gifts, donations, and constant love have meant the world. They have absolutely helped lift him up during this recovery. ❤️

Eli and his friends Jim and Denise from the Park Ridge Cycling Group

Eli and his friend Apreet

Update from Eli’s Parents – Dan & Amy

We are so thrilled to share how incredibly well Eli is doing. Honestly, it feels nothing short of a miracle. The progress he has made in just three and a half weeks is beyond anything we could have hoped for. Every day he surprises us with his strength, determination, and spirit.

We are also overwhelmed—in the very best way—by the love that has poured in from all corners. To everyone who has supported Eli… who has sent gifts, cards, letters, messages… who has commented with words of encouragement… who has donated to the GoFundMe… thank you. Truly. Our hearts are so full. We feel wrapped in a community of family, friends, and even many people we’ve never met. Your kindness has carried us more than you know.

Dan and I returned home to Colorado today. It was incredibly difficult to leave, but Eli is doing wonderfully in physical therapy and is surrounded by so much support and care. Knowing he’s in good hands made the goodbye just a little easier.

We remain grateful, hopeful, and humbled by the miracles we’re witnessing every day. Thank you for standing with us and with Eli on this journey.

With love,

Dan & Amy

Eli with our parents on their last night in IL