A small-town school’s act of kindness grew into a global wave of support, bringing hope to a boy facing a long battle
Credit: Starmont Student Council/Facebook
NEED TO KNOW
- Students created a video to support an 11-year-old boy with cancer
- The message of hope spread across all 50 states and multiple countries
- The group was later surprised with a $500 award for their impact
A group of students set out to lift one boy's spirits — and ended up inspiring people around the world.
At Starmont High School in Iowa, members of the student council created a video message of support for 11-year-old Eli Belser, who has been battling stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma for years. Set to the song “Don't Stop Believin'," the video encouraged others to share messages of hope.
The idea quickly took on a life of its own.
According to reporting by ABC 9 KCRG, the challenge spread far beyond the school, with responses coming in from across the United States and even internationally. Students from multiple schools, along with younger children, joined in to show their support.
“All 50 states, overseas into like the UK and down into Australia,” student council vice president Jack Thole said, describing how far the message reached.
For the students behind the effort, the goal wasn't just fundraising. It was something deeper.
“Right now… it's about hope. It's about morale,” Thole said, adding that they wanted Eli to know “he does have someone in his corner.”
Eli's journey has been a long and difficult one.
His mother, Katie Belser, said he was first diagnosed at just 4 years old with a tumor near his kidneys. “It's been a long road,” she said, explaining that the cancer has since spread and that there is currently no cure.
Still, the outpouring of support has made a difference.
“Sometimes a video will pop up on a bad day,” she said. “And there's something about it that gets him excited.”
The students say the song choice carried special meaning, tying into Eli's name and message of belief. The effort became a symbol of encouragement not just for Eli, but for everyone following along. Their kindness didn't go unnoticed.
The group was nominated for a “Surprise Squad” award, which recognizes people making a difference in their communities. They were presented with a $500 check during what they thought was just another video shoot.
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“I mean, they worked hard… and it's about time that people see the good side of kids,” said Joey Hayes, who nominated them, per ABC 9 KCRG.
For those involved, the recognition was meaningful — but the impact mattered more.
“I truly believe that life's all about serving people,” student council president Keaton Moeller said. “It's not just us… it's our whole community.”
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