Elayna Grace Sandeen

Elayna Grace Sandeen was born November 29, 2008 in Portland, Oregon. She lived most of her life in West Des Moines, Iowa.

She will always be known for smiling more than many would have thought possible, considering that she fought a hard 4 1/2 year battle against childhood cancer. She lived her life being brave “like Harry Potter,” and said herself that, “Being brave means doing things we have to do, no matter how scared you are.”

On August 22, at age 9, she went to be in Heaven, where she knew her body would be whole and healthy and she would never have to endure pain, ever again. She truly loved her hospital family and appreciated the hard work that her doctors, nurses, and other administrators did to help her during her treatment, and to try to save her life.

She loved her friends and family, her home (where she was most comfortable), her cat Driver (who was always by her side), her school (Western Hills Elementary), books, music, baking, writing, animals, iPad, Harry Potter, Pokémon, making art, playing pretend, making lists, dancing, laughing, swimming, popcorn (which she said she had a second stomach for), and video games.

She was a world changer who touched the lives of thousands of people who watched her battle cancer like a warrior. Many have said that they were inspired by her to be brave, to fight their own battles, to live each moment to the fullest, and to find the joy in life whenever possible. She loved hearing when someone was impacted by her strength and bravery in a big way.

Elayna had a special relationship of her own with God. In little notes she wrote to God she said, “I wish for there to be light again. Coming through all the darkness and pushing it away into nothingness.” “I love you God, and I wish for the same thing you do. For there to be only happieness.”

Elayna believed with her whole heart that better treatment and a cure for childhood cancer will be achieved through funding researchers and doctors that are working tirelessly toward that end. She spent countless hours raising money for this hopeful outcome. In a recent prayer she told God, “I know that you couldn’t get rid of all of the cancer right away, but that you and so many hard working, strong scientists are working day and night to find a cure, a simple cure, for cancer so that other children don’t have to go through what I am.” Current treatment could not save Elayna’s life, but pediatric cancer research could allow a different ending for other children. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Unravel Pediatric Cancer, the organization that Elayna worked so hard to fundraise for during her life. She was so proud of every donation made in her name. https://unravelfor.everydayhero.com/us/elayna

Elayna was greeted in Heaven by: great-grandma, Elaine Grace Durkee; great-grandpa, Harvey Raymond Jensen; great-grandma, Betty Lou McGovern; great-grandpa, Howard Elwood Sandeen; great-aunt, Kathy Elaine Downer; cousin, Nathan Dean Downer; great-uncle, Michael McGovern; and her close friend, Niavh Anne Hyatt.

Elayna will be missed on Earth by her mom, Lucy Sandeen; her daddy, Jake Sandeen; her grandparents, Gram Jackie Sandeen and Papa Steve Sandeen, Nana Syndee Jensen; Grandpa Bill McKeeman; great-grandma G.G. Ruth Sandeen; great-grandpa Mike McGovern; Aunt Mimi Sandeen; Uncle Ted (Sparkles) Sandeen and Aunt Stephanie Sandeen; Aunt Patti Bradley and Uncle Wade Bradley; Aunt Larissa McKeeman; Uncle Jacob McKeeman; and her beloved cat Driver Cat Sandeen.

Elayna’s celebration of life will be held this Sunday, August 26th at 2pm at Valley Church, 4343 Fuller Rd, West Des Moines, IA. A reception will follow until 5pm.

Elayna truly wanted “only happieness” for all that she loved so you can honor her best by wearing what makes you happy- bright colors are encouraged.

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