Ellie is a fighter. In her early years, she endured mental and physical neglect, starvation, and violence. During that difficult time, I did everything I could to support her mother, but by 2020, it became clear that I needed to step in to protect Ellie’s safety, education, and health. After a three-day trial in December 2020, I was granted guardianship, and since then, Ellie has been able to grow and heal in a loving, stable environment.

Since coming into my care, Ellie has truly thrived. She now has a warm bed, a safe home, and a community that cherishes her. Ellie has Autism and unique needs, but she has blossomed—building strong friendships at school, growing in her faith at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and finding support among our neighbors. She deserves to stay in the home and community that love and understand her.

In July 2025, Ellie's mother filed paperwork to end the guardianship, which would mean removing Ellie from the only home she’s known for years. Her mother has not seen her in person for over five years, and such a move would be emotionally devastating and unsafe for Ellie. The court has provided her mother with a free attorney, but I am responsible for my own legal costs. This has put me in a financial bind that I cannot manage alone. With a trial set for March 2026, I need help covering attorney fees and increased retainer costs. I cannot give up and hand Ellie back simply because I have run out of funds. I am pleading with friends and our community to help us keep Ellie safe, happy, and surrounded by the love she deserves.

The funds will go towards the current bill, upcoming court court and attorney fees.