Supporting Our Family of 9 During a Medical Crisis

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out during a time our family never expected to face. We are a family of nine, and right now we are navigating a sudden and overwhelming medical crisis that has completely changed our daily life.

About a week ago, I woke up to my husband having a seizure beside me. What followed was terrifying and unimaginable. He experienced at least 10 seizures within a two-hour span and had to be airlifted to Savannah Memorial Hospital. Due to the severity of the seizures, he was sedated and medically paralyzed for 24 hours, as his body continued to seize even under standard sedation.

He spent several days in the ICU before being discharged home—with very few answers as to why this happened to a previously healthy, fit, hard-working and active man.

Since then, the challenges have continued. The seizures have left him unable to drive or work in his field as an electrician, due to the unpredictability and safety concerns. His body is also in recovery and requires significant rest at this time.

As if that weren’t enough, we have now been back to the hospital four times in one week because he has developed Gastroparesis, which has made him unable to eat or drink for several days. This has been especially frightening, as it means he has struggled to keep his seizure medication down, increasing the risk of additional seizures.

During this time, I’ve been doing everything I can—working part-time and continuing my doula work as much as possible—while also closely monitoring my husband and caring for our seven children. This is not a burden to me, but it is a new and difficult season. My husband has always been our primary provider, and right now his health has made that impossible.

As we navigate short-term disability, food assistance, and medical follow-ups, we are facing the reality that these systems take time, and our needs are immediate.

We are asking for community support to help us with:

-Basic household expenses

-Food and daily essentials for a large family

-Transportation and medical-related needs while we wait for assistance approvals and answers

Every donation, share, and word of encouragement means more than we can express.

If you’re unable to give financially, sharing this fundraiser or keeping our family in your prayers is deeply appreciated.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing with us during this incredibly difficult time.

With gratitude,

The Ellison Family