*This will be a walk-through basket party open from 1:00-4:00. Prizes will be drawn in person and also streamed on Facebook live for anyone who would like to tune in that way.
We will be collecting baskets and donations over the next few weeks to prepare for the event. If you are able to help out in any way please feel free to reach out to:
Ashley Pavic - (814) 322-6837
Ella Kolson is a 13 year old Windber resident who has been dealing with multiple health issues over the last year. We are hoping to come together as a community to support her and help ease the burden on her family as they navigate this difficult time!
Ella has been bravely battling serious eye and health complications since she was very young. This past year has been especially hard.
In December, Ella underwent her first retinal detachment and macula separation surgery. Sadly, complications from that surgery left her legally blind in her left eye. It also meant she had to give up the sports and activities she once loved.
Just as we were hoping for recovery, new symptoms appeared. At the end of spring, Ella developed floaters in her left eye, and on June 2nd she had to undergo a second retina surgery. Instead of enjoying her 7th grade year and summer break, Ella spent a week face-down recovering, unable to join her friends in the sunshine or on the beach.
In early July, Ella began feeling very unwell—high fevers, headaches, joint and neck pain. Testing revealed that she had Lyme disease, which had progressed to neurological Lyme and caused a stage 1 heart block. She began treatment in Pittsburgh and completed her antibiotics, thankfully beginning to feel a bit better.
Ella even got to visit family in North Carolina for a reunion—a much-needed moment of joy. But on the way home, she began experiencing slurred speech, which repeated later that evening. Concerned, her doctors directed us to Children’s Hospital for further testing.
There, Ella underwent a full day of evaluations with neurology, infectious disease, and ophthalmology teams. After hours of scans and tests, we learned that Ella has optic nerve inflammation and stage 3 hemorrhaging in her eye due to increased brain pressure. Both of her optic nerves are swollen. She has now started medication to relieve this pressure and remains under close observation.
Rob and Nicole have not left Ella’s side through all of this. However, due to the many medical needs Ella has faced over the past year, neither has any paid time off left. This has put a significant financial strain on their family as they balance care, travel, medical appointments, and maintaining a home for Ella and her siblings.
Ella lost much of her summer—and many moments of her childhood—to surgeries, recovery, and hospital stays. Yet, her spirit remains unbroken.
Ella has recently gotten some relief and was allowed to return to normal day-to-day life for a little while, and has even been able to play soccer with her junior high team at Windber!
Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Windber, Nonprofit events in Windber, Sports events in Windber.
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