Ellie’s fight to live like other little girls

Hi my name is Amy Livermore and I am raising this fundraiser for my best friend from high school in hopes that it can help her 2 year old daughter get the care she needs.

Ellie is a gorgeous 2 year old little girl and has been diagnosed as being at high risk of cerebral palsy, hypertonia (really stiff legs), dystonia ( involuntary muscle contractions) and has now been faced with the possibility of having a rare disorder called Dopa-responsive dystonia, they have recently started medication for this along with the other medications ellie takes this one is $85 and only lasts 2 weeks.

The fact that not many people have this disorder means that there is little research and very little financial support. Whatever healthcare they are faced with by the Australian health care system, she is faced with an even higher risk of somehow damaging Ellie. Hannah was explaining the battles that she faces as a first time mother on a daily basis on deciding what care is suited to her child and what risks are worth taking to help her daughter to have the best chance in life. One of these examples is that, she has been offered splints to help her walk, but these come at a cost later in life, and will most likely damage Ellie’s legs and shorten her muscles. Ellie will be getting Botox treatment in a few muscles to help relax the muscles but this is only temporary, If the Botox helps they will then look into a more permanent solution which would be a muscle lengthening surgery that will cost 100000 dollars in the US. This surgery will hopefully give Ellie a chance at walking. Ellie is non verbal and the family have been doing everything that they can do get the help that they need but it comes at a huge financial and emotional cost, due to the road bumps that they keep running into.

The stress this is causing on the family, is unbelievable as Ellie requires full time care, and ongoing specialist appointments. This means Hannah has to take time off work and work around the clock to get her work done as well as care for her daughter who’s fighting for basic human rights. Hannah’s husband Jarryd ( Ellie’s dad) also takes time off to try and reduce the pressure on Hannah and helps take Ellie to some of her appointments also. Their story has touched my heart and watching my best friend lose her hair from stress is heartbreaking. As a mother with a 2 year old my heart breaks for them and I hope that together we can raise the funds to help LITTLE ELLIE BELLIE TO LIVE LIKE OTHER LITTLE GIRLS and any donations are greatly appreciated.

This family is one of a kind and i thank each of you for helping me help them.