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Helping Ellen Elia

Our friend Ellen Dorgan Elia is in the SICU (Surgical Intensive Care Unit) at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She is there because she developed a severe infection after her liver transplant last month. We almost lost her on Sunday, but she is responding well to treatment and making slow progress back. Due to these complications it will be over a month, if not longer before Ellen returns home. She will have time in the SICU, time in the transplant wing and then time in rehab. It is going to be a long path to recovery. Then Ellen will need 24 hour care from friends for weeks once she is home.
     As many of you know Ellen has been separated for the last couple of years and her divorce was final in March. Although, she was seriously ill, Ellen continued to work up until she went into the hospital in the middle of June. What she has saved is almost gone from increasing medical costs and may not pay her bills through the month. Due to her health she will not be able to work for a long time. Yet, her bills continue to mount. Most importantly she has her insurance premium, which doubled with her divorce; her rent, and all of her medical bills.  Also, her minivan broke down as a friend was driving it back from the hospital and that is another expense.
     She does not have family in the area, so her apartment is vital as a place to stay. It is near her children and her community. Up until she got sick, Ellen has been such a giving part of our community. She has served on the board of LPK, and on the PTA boards for both Lisbon and Glenwood and I am sure she has served in many other ways. She has tirelessly given to her community, until she was too tired to do more than work and survive.
     Ellen has been sick now for a number of years. With her liver transplant she has an opportunity to live life again, instead of existing day-to-sick-day. The cost of her care continues to escalate and currently she is of very limited means. After her transplant the stress of paying her bills was overwhelming to her. Once she ended up back in the hospital and then the SICU, that stress has now been subverted by the stress of just making it through hour by hour. Anything you can give would be greatly appreciated and such a relief.  Also your outpouring of concern, help and prayers has helped lift her up as she goes through the very painful and scary process of healing.
Thank you!
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Donations 

  • Maura Sullivan
    • $50 
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Shawn Costello
Organizer
Benson, MD
Ellen Elia
Beneficiary

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