Meet Ella... an absolute sweetheart of an 8 year old girl! Ella's dad, Travis, has been employed with us for several years. To say this single father of two youngsters is a rockstar of a team member is an understatement.

We've grown close to Ella since Travis joined our team, as we do with many of our employees children. They're family!

Just over a week ago, Ella started feeling very ill. After a couple of doctor visits and essentially being dismissed (constipation, etc) Ella's symptoms kept getting worse. It got to a point where her dad rushed her to Children's Emergency at Froederdt.

After a series of tests, the doctors came back with heart sinking news... they diagnosed Ella with stage 4 cancer. An 8 year old girl!!

After more tests, the bone marrow sample revealed that it was not cancer, but Lupus. They continued the Chemotherapy, as they have many similarities. Ella was sent home after a week to continue her Chemo meds orally.

Just yesterday, she started having seizures. She has never had a seizure in her life. After being rushed back to Emergency, and more tests, they have learned that the Lupus is attacking her brain and central nervous system. It is going to be a LONG road to recovery through Chemotherapy.

Ella has health insurance to cover the majority of her medical. Travis, a single father will be by her side every step of the way. There is no insurance to cover housing, grocery or fuel. Not to mention co-pays. It could be at minimum 6 months before Travis is able to earn an income again.

If I tell you someone is deserving, they're deserving. This guy is always there for others. We will step up on our end, but we cannot do it alone.

We're hoping to raise donations to help their family with bills until Ella recovers, and Travis makes it back to work.