Ella was only 7 months old when she was diagnosed with intractable epilepsy, a form of epilepsy that does not respond adequately to medication.

While other children were learning to walk, play and explore, Ella’s childhood was filled with seizures, hospital visits, EEGs, MRIs and countless treatment attempts.

In 2021, doctors performed major brain surgery, removing much of her left frontal lobe in hopes of controlling the seizures.

For 18 months, it worked.

Ella became seizure-free, giving her family a chance to experience the childhood they had always hoped she could have.

Then, in 2023, the seizures returned — and her mother says they came back with a vengeance.

In 2025, Ella underwent another major procedure and received a deep brain stimulator, a device designed to help regulate abnormal electrical activity ᴀssociated with seizures.

But the seizures have continued.

Nearly 13 years of fighting. Countless treatments. Two major brain procedures.

And still, Ella keeps going.

Her mother says that despite everything epilepsy has taken from her daughter, it has not taken away her personality, her determination or her ability to find moments of joy.

Ella’s journey is a reminder of just how much strength can exist in someone who has spent almost their entire childhood facing challenges most people could never imagine. ❤️