“Last summer, while evacuating from a wildfire in Montana, I met Eli — a wildland firefighter who stayed behind as flames engulfed our hillside to ensure our family made it out. He never made the news. He never wanted thanks. But today, he sleeps in his truck behind a Walmart.”
Elijah “Eli” Cross served as a firefighter for over 12 years. He was part of countless life-threatening rescues. Two years ago, his wife passed from leukemia. Shortly after, Eli was injured during a controlled burn gone wrong — torn ligaments, spine damage, and forced early retirement. The workers’ comp claim was denied due to “non-permanent disability.”
With no income and mounting medical bills, Eli lost his home. He now sleeps in his rusted-out 2004 Tacoma with his dog, Ranger. He uses a local gym shower, eats once a day, and still volunteers to clear brush during fire season.
We want to raise $42,500 to:
1. Get Eli into stable housing
2. Pay off urgent medical bills
3. Cover basic living for 6 months
4. Enroll him in a firefighter PTSD recovery program
Eli didn’t ask for this fundraiser. He’s proud, quiet, and used to giving, not taking. But heroes deserve backup too. If 4,250 people give just $10, we change this man’s life forever.
From our family to yours — thank you for helping the man who saved us.
— The Carter Family
