Moments

Every stand, every finish line, every smile

A look at the fundraisers, races and community days that built the EllaStrong Foundation — and a few from the hospital days that started it all.

Fundraisers and community

Kids behind the #EllaStrong Lemonade Stand for Pediatric Cancer Research banner — The lemonade stand at Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis

Ella, her mom and friends in #EllaStrong shirts behind a big jug of lemonade — Neighbors, friends and siblings pouring for research

Ella surrounded by donated toys, games and stuffed animals from the toy drive — Toy drive haul headed to kids on the oncology floor

Ella beside a decorated Christmas tree and a Pediatric Cancer Toy Drive sign — Pediatric Cancer Toy Drive collection day

The family with Santa behind a holiday table collecting donations for pediatric cancer research — Holiday fundraiser with Santa

Ella and two friends in cycling jerseys at an indoor spin-a-thon fundraiser — Spin-a-thon in the dealership showroom

Ella and three other children in #EllaStrong shirts and swim caps before a youth triathlon — Team #EllaStrong at the Kenzie Rose youth triathlon

Ella and three friends with race medals under a tent at the youth triathlon — Medals earned at the finish line

Ella handing out Gatorade at a table marked Ella Run Course — Ella working the water stop on the Ella Run Course

Ella walking with her dad, both wearing #TeamElla shirts on race morning — #TeamElla on race morning

Ella giving two thumbs up with three Chesapeake Bayhawks lacrosse players on the field — Bayhawks lacrosse night at Navy

Ella grinning inside an oversized signed lacrosse helmet — A signed helmet from the team

Where it started

A handful of moments from the hospital days — the people who showed up, and the smile that never left.

Ella in a hospital bed on her birthday surrounded by balloons as her brother shows her a tablet — A birthday spent in a hospital bed

Ella in her hospital bed wearing Boston Marathon and Iron Girl medals given to her by runners — Runners sent their Boston and Iron Girl medals

Ella smiling with her dad, in an EllaStrong sweatshirt, at her hospital bedside — Dad in his EllaStrong hoodie, every single round

A friend leaning in beside Ella in her hospital bed with a stuffed puppy — Friends who kept showing up

Help write the next chapter

Donate to research