LI Teen Beating Odds Against Pearson's Syndrome Receives Special Honor

HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Long Island teenager who has already lived a decade beyond what doctors had predicted received special honors on Wednesday.

As CBS2's Dick Brennan reported, excitement filled the hallways as 13-year-old Eli Mollineaux was escorted to the auditorium by his all-girls fan club to receive unique honors.

"Eli's Law, for Mitochondrial Awareness Month, for the month of September," said Dr. William Spencer.

Suffolk County lawmakers presented the Huntington teen with a plaque that commemorates his inspirational story battling Pearson's Syndrome, a disease that ultimately tears apart your internal organs.

"Pearson's Syndrome gave you a life expectancy of 3 to 5 years. Eli will be 14 on Saturday...pretty amazing," said Eli's mother, Ellen.

Ellen said it's no surprise Eli has so far beaten the medical odds, crediting his incredibly positive willpower and simple desire to enjoy his life.

"He's a super happy kid, he never ever complains; never once says 'why me,'" said Ellen.

Eli's indomitable spirit is more remarkable considering since birth, he's suffered from a syndrome that's rarely ever seen.

"Only 200 people on the planet may have this condition, Pearson's Marrow Disease," said Dr. Spenser.

Eli's sunny disposition has earned him lots of fans, including classmates who wear a shirt that says "Believe" in his honor, Brennan reported.

"He's really optimistic. He's always got a smile and he's funny," said classmate Ashley Case. "So funny; his humor is routinely highlighted over the PA system in the principal's office."

In his joke of the week, Eli asked students why it's hard to play hide and seek with mountains. The answer?

"Because they keep peaking (peeking)," said Eli.

It's a daily challenge at beating the odds Eli's family says he's proven he's up to.