Ellie

When Ellie and her twin brother, Blake, were born, her family knew she’d face serious health challenges. Within hours, she was transferred to Children’s Wisconsin for complex care.

In her first year, Ellie underwent multiple surgeries—including a colostomy, G-tube placement, and two bladder repairs. At 4 months, she had a blood clot and developed sepsis and spent time in the PICU. During on of her dialysis treatments, she had a bowel obstruction and went into cardiac arrest. Thanks to quick action from her care team, they performed CPR and saved her life.

Though doctors were able to partially restore function in one kidney, Ellie ultimately needed a transplant. After recovering from another sepsis infection, she received a kidney from her mom at just 3 years old.

Eight years later, Ellie is an active, joyful kid—she loves swimming, riding bikes, and playing with her brothers. But her journey isn’t over. Last year, her transplanted kidney began showing signs of rejection. She now receives twice-monthly infusions and takes daily medications to preserve kidney function. Thanks to Medicaid, Ellie has been able to receive the care and treatments needed to help save her life. Ellie is participating in #FAD2025 to share her story and why #MedicaidMatters with federal lawmakers to ensure children continue to have access to specialized, life-saving care they deserve. #TeamCHA