Eli is a young leader with a big heart. He is 17 and Junior in Highschool. Eli is working to become a pilot. Eli is very social and loves playing basketball and golf. As Co-President of the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children’s program, Ava’s Angels, Eli is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children with cancer. Growing up, Eli was best friends with his little sister Ava, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma at just 1.5 years old. Despite her illness, Eli always treated her like any other little sister, never giving her special treatment. When Ava passed away at the age of 4, Eli and his family were determined to honor her memory by helping other children with cancer. Together with his mom, Chrisie Funari, Eli is working to make sure that no other families have to go through the pain that his family did. Through the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, Eli and his family are making a real difference in the lives of children and families affected by cancer in Arizona.