About the Fund
Erik Elken of Berwyn, Pennsylvania, beloved son, brother, nephew, friend, and teammate, peacefully passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the age of 22, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Erik entered this world weighing ten pounds, seven ounces, and earned the nickname “Big E,” which became a lifelong moniker. As a little boy, it was clear he was a “contact kid” and never met a sport he didn’t like. However, Erik’s nickname had more to do with his heart and character than his physical presence. He was known as a “Gentle Giant” because of his ability to see others and care for them deeply as he lived out his Christian faith authentically. Through Christ’s work in his heart, he was able to see and express the value in each person he met with compassion and dignity, knowing everyone he met was uniquely created and loved by God.
What made Erik’s Stage IV diagnosis and fight especially challenging is that he is only the fourth documented case of this rare NUT Sarcoma, so no protocol existed to treat it. Erik’s testing and case are being written up and published to offer exploration pathways to the cancer research community and hope for future patients facing this diagnosis. We are exceptionally grateful for the Medical Team at Cooper/MD Anderson in Camden, its affiliate MD Anderson Houston, the consulting doctors at MSK in NYC and Dana Farber in Boston, and every individual and organization that helped us research treatment options and orders, clinical trials, holistic support, and cutting-edge research and therapies. Erik’s exceptional Orthopedic Oncologist, Dr. Tae Won B. Kim, has let us know that he is in the midst of opening a sarcoma research foundation fund for patients who have rare tumors like Erik’s.
Funds have been raised through The Big E Memorial Tournament and a Fundraiser at Christopher’s in Wayne. The BIG E Memorial Invitational is an NCR-registered collegiate 7s tournament hosted by the University of South Carolina Men’s Rugby Team. This event honors Erik “Big E” Elken’s lasting impact in the Rugby Community and brings together top collegiate programs for a day of high-level competition, community impact, and brotherhood.
The purpose of this fund is to aid research into the rare cancer NUT Sarcoma as well as support local youth rugby.
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or
Mail a check payable to:
Erik Elken Memorial Fund c/o CCCF
28 W. Market St.,
West Chester, PA 19382