Our sweet Ella is currently in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Lurie Children's Hospital, battling a severe case of necrotizing pneumonia. Her left lung is almost completely filled with fluid and inflammation, and the right lung is also affected by mild pneumonia. Doctors suspect the fluid around her left lung and her blood are infected with bacteria, adding to the complexity of her condition.

Yesterday, Ella underwent a procedure to place a chest tube to drain the fluid around her lungs. However, during the procedure, her blood pressure and respiration dropped dangerously low, forcing the team to stop and intubate her to stabilize her condition.

Right now, Ella is heavily sedated and on a paralytic to give her body the rest it desperately needs. She’s connected to a respirator, has a central line and arterial line, and is being treated with three broad-spectrum antibiotics, steroids to reduce inflammation, and TPA therapy to help loosen the fluid in her lungs. The next 24 hours are critical to determining her trajectory.

Despite these challenges, we are hopeful. The incredible medical team at Lurie Children’s is providing the care she needs, and we’re praying for Ella to respond to the antibiotics, for the TPA therapy to work, and for her lungs to start healing. For now, she is able to rest, which her body desperately needs after fighting so hard.

This journey has been overwhelming for our family. Nate, Ella’s dad, is also sick and unable to be by her side, while Sophie and Declan, Ella’s siblings, are missing their mommy and sister during this difficult time.

We’re reaching out for your support to help us cover medical expenses, travel costs, and other unforeseen needs during Ella’s recovery. Your prayers, kind words, and donations mean the world to us. We believe in the power of community and faith, and we’re trusting that Ella will heal and come back to us stronger than ever.

Thank you for being part of Ella’s journey to recovery. ❤️