Episode #69
#69 Carrying Eli’s Light: Hayley Friedman Morrison on Loss, Love, and the Eli Sunshine Fund
On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Hayley Friedman Morrison, co-founder and executive director of the Eli Sunshine Fund—but more importantly, Eli Morrison’s mom. After her son Eli was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive pediatric bone cancer, Hayley and her family were thrust into a world of grueling treatments and unimaginable challenges. Through her journey alongside Eli—whose warmth, curiosity, and compassion touched everyone he met—Hayley uncovered the harsh realities of outdated therapies and insufficient research for kids battling this disease. After losing Eli at just nine years old, Hayley channeled her grief into action, founding an organization dedicated to funding innovative pediatric cancer research and bringing moments of sunshine to families facing similar hardships. In this moving conversation, Hayley shares Eli’s story, the enduring legacy he leaves behind, and her candid reflections on loss, resilience, and what it truly means to show up for loved ones in times of adversity. To learn more about the Eli Sunshine Fund, visit: elisunshinefund.org . Listeners Will Learn: Sharing memories and stories about a loved one, as Hayley Friedman Morrison does with her son Eli, is an important way to keep their legacy alive. Scott and Hayley discuss how community support plays a crucial role for families experiencing childhood illness or loss, and meaningful forms of support can include simple gestures like thoughtful messages or remembering special dates. The outdated treatment options for Ewing sarcoma highlight the broader challenges in pediatric cancer research and funding, which Hayley and her family are working to address through the Eli Sunshine Fund. Society could improve the way we approach conversations with those experiencing grief or hardship by being more mindful and asking sensitive, open-ended questions or simply acknowledging their pain. People often feel discomfort around grieving families, but taking concrete steps—such as mentioning the loved one’s name, sharing stories, or reaching out on significant dates—can provide meaningful support. Hayley finds the phrase “how are you?” problematic, instead recommending more thoughtful alternatives like “how are you today?” to express genuine care and concern. Siblings, like Harry, who lose a brother or sister to serious illness often experience profound and ongoing emotional impacts, shaping their outlook on life and relationships. There is a distinction between being perceived as “strong” and actually surviving an unimaginable loss; Hayley emphasizes that true resilience is simply continuing in the face of tragedy, not a superhuman feat. Milestone moments and daily routines take on new meaning for families living with or grieving childhood illness, serving both as reminders of loss and opportunities for connection and support. Organizations and individuals can avoid unintentionally minimizing grief by listening, remembering, and providing ongoing support without trying to find a silver lining or offer clichés. Key Moments: 00:00 Eli's story and legacy 06:21 Living with Ewing sarcoma 11:33 Keeping Eli’s memory alive 15:00 Supporting those grieving tragedies 17:50 Discussing coping with challenges 23:09 Coping with transitions and reminders 25:07 Navigating family gatherings and loss 31:54 Talking about Harry's resilience 36:56 Processing grief and moving forward
