What started in one Iowa school gym reached all 50 states, the UK and Australia.

Students on the student council at Starmont High School created a video message to support 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 asked others to share messages of hope.

According to ABC 9 KCRG, the response quickly spread far beyond the school. Students from multiple schools, along with younger children, joined in.

“All 50 states, overseas into like the UK and down into Australia,” student council vice president Jack Thole said.

Thole said the effort was about more than fundraising.

“Right now… it’s about hope. It’s about morale,” he said, adding that they wanted Eli to know “he does have someone in his corner.”

Eli’s mother, Katie Belser, said he was first diagnosed at age 4 with a tumor near his kidneys. She said the cancer has since spread and there is currently no cure.

“It’s been a long road,” she said.

Belser said the videos have helped on hard days.

“Sometimes a video will pop up on a bad day,” she said. “And there’s something about it that gets him excited.”

The students said the song choice had special meaning because it tied into Eli’s name and the message of belief.

The group was later nominated for a “Surprise Squad” award, which recognizes people making a difference in their communities. According to ABC 9 KCRG, they were handed a $500 check during what they thought was another video shoot.

“I mean, they worked hard… and it’s about time that people see the good side of kids,” Joey Hayes, who nominated them, said, per ABC 9 KCRG.

Student council president Keaton Moeller said the award mattered, but so did the broader support behind the effort.

“I truly believe that life’s all about serving people,” Moeller said. “It’s not just us… it’s our whole community.”

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