Ellen's 1st Anniversary Heart Transplant GIVING Opportunity in support of Ellen and in memory of her donor
Please help us raise funds in support of the children being treated at the A.I. Dupont Nemours Hospital for Children Cardiac Center. Your donations will benefit the heart warriors as they navigate through their own unique heart journeys. Ellen was 9 when she became a Cardiology patient and received a heart transplant 20 days after admission to CTICU. Her lifetime, like many others will include out patient and inpatient visits to Nemours. These necessary visits will promote wellness so kids can live their best lives.
My Sister's Story is one of courage, determination, and miracles!
When Ellen became ill we thought she had a stomach bug. Her symptoms didn't suggest anything to alarm us at first. She kept up with her very active lifestyle and hardly missed a beat! Her Nemour's Pediatrician, Dr. Harkness examined her in the office and urgently sent us to the hospital in Wilmington for cardiac consults and imaging. There was no delay in admitting, treating and researching her findings to get the answers. We were shocked to learn that Ellen was in Severe Heart Failure with Severe Dilated Cardiomyopathy. A few days later testing would confirm it was because of genetics. The plan of care didn't change and it was without a doubt that she would need a heart transplant to survive.
Ellen received her Gift of Life at Nemours and shortly after that she had a second open heart surgery to remove a blood clot from inside of her heart. She's been treated for rejection, follows all of the rules, and has learned how protect herself and be a "normal" kid in a not so normal world. Every step of the way the members of the Cardiology and Transplant team have worked with determination and compassion to give her the best care.
Ellen is doing well. She is getting ready for 5th grade. She enjoys riding her bike, swimming, signing, dancing, drawing, basketball and camping with her family. Ellen like many of the other kids will have frequent outpatient and inpatient visits. We want all of these kids to remain healthy and live their best life! We want parents to worry less, trust more and know that through our fundraising efforts we support them too.
Please join me in supporting pediatric heart health by contributing to the Cardiology Department at Nemours Hospital for Children in celebration of Ellen's 1st Heart Anniversary. Your donation will also help us honor her donor who gave the greatest gift.