Inspirational Huntington Teen With Rare Disease Has Died

A Huntington teen who inspired the community with his tenacious spirit has died, the Huntington Union Free School District announced Monday.

Eli Mollineaux, a high school sophomore, was born with a rare type of Mitochondrial Disease known as Pearson Marrow-Pancreas Syndrome. There is no cure or effective treatment for Mitochondrial Disease and there are several different kinds. Eli’s slowly progressive multi-system disease affected his brain, heart, muscles, vision and hearing.

“Eli's positive attitude, kindness, compassion and perennial smile were infectious,” HUFSD wrote on their Facebook page. “He had the rare ability to bring an entire community together and to promote a culture of caring and respect, which was evidenced on so many occasions. He loved Huntington and all in Huntington loved him right back.”

Earlier this month, Eli was surprised with a brand new minivan, equipped with a wheelchair lift, to help with errands and day-to-day life. The van was gifted to help Eli and his family run errands and go on outings they never thought they could experience beforehand.

In 2015, September was officially named Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month in honor of Eli.

“Since first meeting Eli this summer, I could immediately tell that this young man has an amazing way of inspiring others,” Cusack said in 2015. “His humor and positive demeanor are magnetic, and I’ve seen the effect of this on our whole school community. Kids gravitate toward him and rally around him like nothing I’ve ever seen.”

Eli’s mother, Ellen Mollineaux said in 2015 that Eli inspires and forever changes everyone he meets.

“Eli reminded us routinely to bELIieve - to believe in ourselves and in what we can accomplish together," HUFSD wrote. "His spirit and legacy will live on in all of us."

Image via Huntington UFSD