In the winter of 2024 my mom’s life changed overnight. She woke up confused, unable to remember how to get to work or where things were. When she called me—her daughter in Vermont—she sounded confused. Day by day, her memory faded more, and soon she was only able to hold onto three minutes at a time. It was terrifying for all of us.

Doctors in Florida couldn’t figure out what was happening. As her condition worsened, she could no longer live independently. Her children eventually got her to New Jersey and then to UPenn, where she was finally diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis—an illness that causes the body’s immune system to attack the brain.

It took months of pain, confusion, and fear before treatment began to help. For nearly seven months, her brain was under attack. In the last year, we have started seeing glimmers of who she was before—reaching out to loved ones, remembering small things, showing sparks of recognition and joy again.

Ellen is a fun-loving, charismatic woman with a magnetic personality. She’s the kind of person who lights up a room, always ready to give or receive a joke, a hug, or a story that makes you feel like your connected to her. She’s been a loyal friend, a loving mom, and someone who shows up for others—no matter what.

Ellen had been running a successful business that she poured her heart into. She wasn’t planning to retire anytime soon—she loved what she did and was thriving. But with her illness, we had to close her business, and she can no longer drive or manage her life independently. She now relies on her children and friends to help her day to day. That loss of independence has been incredibly difficult for someone so vibrant and full of life.

On top of ongoing medical expenses, we’re now exploring naturopathic and alternative treatments to continue supporting her brain’s healing and overall well-being. These therapies aren’t typically covered by insurance, but they’ve shown real promise in helping her regain memory and cognitive function.

This wasn’t the stage of life she expected to be suddenly planning for—without work, without her business, and with a long road ahead. Every bit of support brings her closer to healing and helps ease the stress of rebuilding from something so unexpected and devastating.

If you’re able to give—thank you, truly. And even if you can’t, your emotional and spiritual support means everything. Connection is a vital part of her recovery, and knowing she’s not alone in this journey makes all the difference.

With love and deep gratitude,

Jacquie Goodall