Help Elle Get To Life-Changing Spinal Surgery

On July 17th, Elle woke up screaming in pain, barely able to move the lower half of her body, and experiencing severe numbness and tingling in her legs. The pain was unbearable and couldn’t be managed at home, so she was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. She’s now been in the hospital for over three weeks, unable to sit up, stand, or walk. Despite their efforts, her medical team has not been able to get her pain under control — and her condition is continuing to worsen.

Elle has faced a lifetime of unexplained back pain, muscle spasms, numbness, weakness, and mobility challenges. Over the past few years — and especially in 2025 — her symptoms became debilitating. She has relied on a cane, crutches, and a wheelchair just to get around. Activities most people take for granted — going to school in person, spending time with friends, even sitting in a chair — became almost impossible. One of the hardest losses was having to give up horseback riding, something Elle has always loved. Through it all, she has remained remarkably resilient and done her best to stay hopeful and find joy where she can.

Earlier this year, Elle had a long-awaited consultation with a top neurosurgeon at Brown University. After a detailed exam and a thorough review of her MRI scans, she was finally diagnosed with congenital Tethered Cord Syndrome — a rare spinal condition that her doctors have suspected for years. Her case is extremely severe and has already resulted in spinal cord injury. Elle has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which affects her connective tissue, worsening this issue and her pain.

The surgeon strongly recommended spinal surgery — called a Tethered Cord Release — as soon as possible, but Elle needed to stabilize other aspects of her health first. This incredible neurosurgeon pointed to Elle’s MRI abnormalities and explained why she’s lived her life in so much pain, and offered the most hope for regaining some normalcy. Now, waiting is no longer an option. The surgery is urgently needed to prevent further damage and give Elle the best possible chance at regaining her ability to walk. Elle is so grateful to have access to the top neurosurgeon in the country in Tethered Cord in Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

Thankfully, her surgery is covered by insurance. However, her current condition made ground transportation unsafe, and the required medical air transport to Rhode Island was denied by insurance — leaving Elle’s family with a staggering $60,000 amount due that they must cover out of pocket just to get her to surgery.

Elle is scheduled for surgery on August 15th, and time is of the essence. Her family is doing everything they can, but they can’t get her across the country alone.

They are humbly asking for help.

Any donation — no matter the size — would mean the world to Elle and her family. Even if you’re not in a position to give, your prayers, words of support, or sharing this campaign with others would be deeply appreciated.

From the bottom of their hearts, the Taylors thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this unimaginably difficult time.