On August 5th, 2024, we took Ella to her pediatrician because she had been experiencing frequent headaches and bruising—what we thought was simply low iron. The very next day, August 6th, we got the phone call that changed our lives forever: Ella had cancer. More tests were run, and it was confirmed that she had AML (acute myeloid leukemia). The following six months were spent inpatient, where Ella bravely endured intensive chemotherapy.

By January of 2025, she was declared cancer free, and we finally brought her home—believing our nightmare was over for good. Sadly, on July 2nd, at a routine clinic appointment, Ella’s platelets were low and new bruising raised concern. Our fears were confirmed: her cancer had returned. Ella is now back in treatment, facing chemotherapy once again as we prepare her little body for a bone marrow transplant—our hope and prayer to finally beat this cancer for good.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.