““Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” -Matthew 19:14
Life story
Elle was born April 19th, 2016. A beautiful baby girl that we were so excited to enter in to this world. Her older sister, Ava, right there to rock her in her arms while she sang her the ABC’s. We were so happy these two sisters would have each other for the rest of their lives. God had a different plan for us…
Before her diagnosis, Elle was like every other healthy 4 year old little girl. She was dynamic, full of fun and laughter, with leadership qualities. Elle was silly, selfless, generous and kind. Always the first to share things with others. She was the star of the show, and had the ability to instantly brighten up the room with her presence. She is beautiful, makes us laugh, and is the strongest girl we know.
A few weeks after her 4th birthday, Elle was diagnosed with an incurable, and inoperable, brain tumor called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (also known as DIPG). A brain tumor that is mostly found in children ages 4-11 years old and for which there is currently no cure. Elle went through thirty rounds of radiation at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and participated in two clinical trials, one in New York City and the other in Philadelphia. We tried everything we could to save our daughter’s life, but after a hard fought 14 month battle, Elle went to heaven on July 30, 2021, at the precious age of 5 years old.
Elle lived an incredible 5 years on this earth. She loved going to the beach, especially Ocean City NJ, where she would jump the waves with her sister and play with her favorite beach toy, Surfer Dudes. Elle also got to experience the most magical place on Earth, Disney World, which was a dream come true. Disney was such an amazing trip for all of us and we are so happy that Elle had the opportunity to experience all that Disney had to offer.
Countless support throughout her 14 month battle with DIPG brought so many people together, all because of one little girl who showed the world how hard a 5 year old could fight. Elle was an inspiration to so many. Battling for her life and never complaining. Going through the unthinkable at times. Elle had the ability to give people hope in their own lives, something we will continue to honor through Elle’s Angels Foundation.
My sweet Elle,
I miss you more than words could ever explain. I miss your laugh, your voice, your little hands in mine. I miss the way you filled every room with joy without even trying. Not a single day goes by that I don’t think of you. You are with me in every quiet moment, every memory, every heartbeat.
I think about who you would be today—how tall you might be, what you’d love, what would make you laugh. I imagine your smile, and for a moment it feels like you’re right here. Loving you never stopped when you left this world. If anything, it grew deeper, stronger, more eternal.
You were so brave, my girl. You carried more than any five-year-old ever should, and you did it with grace, courage, and a light that never faded. DIPG tried to take so much, but it could never touch your spirit. That belongs to heaven now—and to me, forever.
I hope you know how proud I am to be your mom. Everything I do, I do with you in my heart. I carry your name, your story, and your love into the world. You changed me. You made me better. You taught me what real love looks like.
I love you beyond time, beyond space, beyond this life. Until the day I hold you again, know this: you are missed more than you could ever imagine, loved more than words could ever say, and thought of every single day.
Forever your Mom.
