Stevie Elam: Cancer Survivor & Basketball Star

Cancer interrupted his childhood. Today, he’s living his dream on the court.

When Stevie Elam was just three years old, his family’s life changed overnight. What began as a routine wellness visit quickly turned serious when doctors discovered a large tumor in his right kidney, a stage 4 Wilms Tumor. Within days, Stevie was undergoing surgery at the University of Michigan, followed by months of chemotherapy and radiation.

Through it all, Stevie’s spirit never wavered. Even during treatment, he found ways to just be a kid, learning to ride his bike, flashing the kind of smile that lifted everyone around him, and showing a resilience far beyond his years.

By third grade, Stevie was declared cancer-free. Today, more than a decade later, he’s thriving as a standout basketball player for the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. On the court, Stevie’s drive and determination inspire everyone who meets him, and off the court, he’s raising funds to help children still in the fight for their lives.

Stevie’s journey is a powerful reminder of what research makes possible. Childhood cancer research doesn’t just save lives; it gives kids the chance to dream, to grow, and to live out their dreams.As we close out the year, we invite you to stand with Stevie and support lifesaving childhood cancer research through CureSearch. With recent federal cuts, private funding is more critical than ever, and your gift before the year concludes can make an immediate impact. Every contribution helps advance promising projects that might otherwise go unfunded, lighting the path to healthier futures for children everywhere. Together, we can help more kids see tomorrow and all the bright days beyond it.