Elijah Aschbrenner, the 10-year-old cancer patient who stole the hearts of many NASCAR drivers, their families and fans, passed away Tuesday night.
His mother, Becky Hanson Hughes, posted the news on the Prayers for Elijah Facebook page.
At 10:52 p.m., my baby went to be with Jesus. Our lives will never be the same; but because of him our lives were forever changed.
Posted by Prayers for Elijah on Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer, Epithelioid Sarcoma, in May 2014, Elijah’s condition had turned for the worse in October. He was the heart of a movement, a social media campaign with the hashtag #prayersforElijah that not only sent prayers and love to Elijah, his younger brother Sam and mother, but also raised awareness about pediatric cancer.
A highlight of recent weeks for Elijah was a visit from Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton on Halloween. Elijah counted many racing stars among his friends and owned the spotlight at May’s “Catwalk for a Cause” pediatric cancer research fundraiser organized by Sherry Pollex and Martin Truex Jr.
.@MartinTruex_Jr and I will NEVER stop fighting for him. He was seriously amazing. #ElijahStrong #cancersucks ������������ pic.twitter.com/NZgxpCdXwV
— Sherry Pollex (@SherryPollex) November 11, 2015
Elijah walked the runway at the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation event with Dale Earnhardt Jr., who posted condolences and memories on Twitter along with fiancée Amy Reimann.
I’m glad I got to know him. Amazing kid, wonderful family. Thoughts and prayers to them and Elijah’s friends. https://t.co/2Q5x9Iasnl
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) November 11, 2015
Several drivers and family members also sent messages.
Such sad news. Rest in peace Elijah. You will be missed by many. #ElijahStrong https://t.co/OuDEpqYomw
— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) November 11, 2015
Deeply saddened to hear of the loss of a wonderful young man Elijah Aschbrenner.My thoughts&prayers r w @baschbrenner & his whole family������
— Kimberle A Burton (@kimburton12) November 11, 2015
Go outside today and bask in the sunlight w/a loved one, help others by doing a kind deed, tell someone you love them…do it for Elijah. ��
— Sherry Pollex (@SherryPollex) November 11, 2015
I’m deeply saddened to hear that we lost a beautiful boy today. All of my love, thoughts & prayers are with Elijah Aschbrenner’s family.
— Amy Reimann (@Amy_Reimann) November 11, 2015