Perseverance, grit, bravery, devotion... Viva Babe Elyse is a hero and role model to her daughter Hallie and so many of us!
When her daughter was 18 months old, Elyse found out Hallie had a rare bone marrow failure called Diamond Black Fan anemia. This meant she needed a bone marrow transplant in order to live. Bone marrow transplants are different from blood transplants - finding your match is more complicated and often family members aren't able to donate. Elyse and her husband tested, but neither were a match. Elyse sprung into action, forming an organization called Hallies Heroes.
Over 9 years, they searched for Hallie's match. Elyse quit her job and devoted her time to taking Hallie to doctors appointments and finding people willing to register with Be The Match, which connects possible donors to their matched patients. Along the way they found 105 matches for other children 😭🙏
For months in the hospital and physical therapy centers, Elyse cared for Hallie and campaigned for other families to help them find the match for their kids. When they finally found Hallie's match, her bone marrow transfer was successful 👏
Shortly after her recovery, Hallie was diagnosed with bone cancer. Hallie was back in the hospital for chemo and eventually, an amputation-like surgery on her left leg. Elyse became Hallie's full-time caretaker, advocate, cheerleader, and non-profit director. Hallie is now cancer-free and works with her mom to raise money for Children's Cancer Research 🧡
Her nominator Brandi says "this woman does nothing for herself, ever. Every dollar or opportunity she passes on to other people. I don't know anyone less selfish, or with more inner strength than her. She has lived her life serving others while painfully waiting on the kindness and bravery of other people to register for the bone marrow registry to save her daughter."
Thank you, Elyse, for all you do to make this world better. Your advocacy is inspirational! 💖💙💖💙
Through our It's Not About the Bag Program, we're on a mission to celebrate women who make life ridiculously awesome. If you know a woman who is making an impact - NOMINATE them through our link in bio.
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