Our Warriors Who Inspire Us

Ella was diagnosed with DIPG on February 4, 2020. She completed her 30 rounds of radiation on March 25, 2020. Ella responded to radiation tremendously, and by summer all of her physical abilities were back 100% and her steroid weight was gone. We spent a few days in one of our favorite spots in Ohio we call our "doubt trout house" before taking a 12 day vacation to Gulf Shores, AL and Destin, FL where precious memories were made, including Ella learning to swim without floaties! She was full of life and fearless. We spent the summer at our neighborhood pool doing what she (and we) love to do: swim, jump, laugh, play... snack, all with our neighborhood friends who are more like family to us. In August we held an epic 4th birthday party in our backyard with all of her friends. Unfortunately, in late September, Ella's eyelid began to droop so an MRI was scheduled and confirmed progression on October 2, 2020. By early November it became clear that an early Christmas was in order. On November 14th, A Special Wish provided us with a truly magical early Christmas, not without the help of our amazing community. Our early Christmas came just in time because within a few days, Ella was not able to play with any of the new toys she so loved. As is the case for many DIPG patients, Ella's health declined rapidly and she spent weeks in a paralyzed state before she passed away peacefully in our arms on Christmas morning. Ella's tumor was donated to research through the DIPG Registry and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. The Cure Starts Now has supported us on this journey and gives us hope that someday soon there WILL be a cure. So we pray.