Hi everyone,

We wanted to share an important update about our sister, Ellie.

After a long, quiet battle with end-stage liver disease, Ellie received a liver transplant in the early hours of Thursday, April 3rd. The surgery went well, and her new liver is functioning. We’re incredibly grateful—not only to her doctors and liver team but especially to the donor and their family. Their decision gave Ellie a second chance at life, and it’s a gift we will never take for granted.

Right now, Ellie is in a very fragile stage of recovery. She’s in pain, her immune system is heavily suppressed, and she needs round-the-clock care. She can’t be on her own—everyday tasks like walking, eating, and managing medication will require full-time support.

She’s also required to remain for at least 30 or more days post-surgery in designated transplant housing, so she can be monitored closely by her care team in case of complications or signs of rejection. That housing, unfortunately, isn’t covered by insurance, and we’re covering the cost as a family.

It’s just us and a close family friend who’s stepped in like a mom to her. We’re taking turns traveling to and from the city, stepping away from work, managing our own kids and responsibilities back home, and doing everything we can to make sure Ellie has what she needs during this time.

This has been a long, exhausting road, but we’re here. We’re steady. And Ellie is healing.

We’ve set up this fundraiser because so many people have asked how they can help. If you’re in a position to contribute, it will go directly toward transplant housing, travel, medical expenses, and the day-to-day needs that come with being full-time caregivers. And if you’re not able to give, sharing this or sending a message of support truly means a lot.

Ellie is so happy to have this second shot at life—not just for herself, but for her son. He’s four years old, and he’s the center of her world. This recovery gives her the chance to be there as he grows up—to be present, to share in the small moments, and to give him the kind of love and stability she’s always dreamed of providing. That, more than anything, is what this transplant means to her.

Thank you for standing with us, for caring about Ellie, and for being part of this journey.

—Ellie’s Support Team