At 21 years old, Ella is focused on helping children navigate some of life's most difficult moments. A recent college graduate, she is preparing to begin her Child Life specialist internship at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital, a path inspired by her own experience growing up with a life-altering diagnosis.

As a child, Ella was constantly on the move spending her days playing soccer and participating in gymnastics. At age 10, everything changed when she was diagnosed with a heart condition that causes the heart muscle to become abnormally thick. One by one, she had to step away from the sports that had defined so much of her childhood.

While the diagnosis changed Ella's life physically, it also affected her emotionally. As friends continued participating in sports and other activities, Ella often felt isolated. She struggled to explain what she was experiencing and rarely spoke openly about her diagnosis beyond her closest circle of friends.

The diagnosis impacted her entire family as well. Her parents became increasingly protective, and her twin sister found herself adjusting to a new reality where much of the family's focus shifted toward Ella's health and well-being. Although everyone was experiencing the journey together, they weren't always sharing the same emotions or understanding.

Years later, when Ella began her wish journey, she realized she wanted an opportunity to share her story.

With the help of Make-A-Wish, Ella's wish to write and publish a book about her experience became a reality. Ella’s New Beat was Published in August 2025, giving her the opportunity to process emotions she had carried for years and finally put words to experiences that had been difficult to explain.

The impact reached far beyond Ella.

Through the book, her parents and sister gained insight into the thoughts and feelings they had never fully known she carried. The stories she shared opened conversations about fear, resilience, and the challenges each family member faced throughout her medical journey. What began as a personal project became something that strengthened and deepened the family's connection.

"Their reactions were the best reactions," Ella reflected. "I think it really connected us."

The wish process itself was equally meaningful. Ella worked closely with Make-A-Wish to personalize every detail from helping her select a ghostwriter whose style matched her vision to finding the right illustrator and publishing support. Throughout the experience, Ella felt seen, heard, and empowered to share her experience on her own terms.

One of the moments that stands out most occurred when Make-A-Wish volunteer Marita Brosch personally delivered the first copies of the book to Ella's home. After years of conversations and planning, Ella finally held her book in her own hands for the first time.

"It was crazy to know that someone put in all of this work just to make my wish come true," Ella said.

That visit sparked something bigger. Marita shared the story of another wish family facing a difficult medical journey and asked if Ella would be willing to send them a copy of her book along with a personal note. For Ella, it was the first time she realized her story could help someone else.

"It was the first time that I felt like I could actually make an impact," she said.

That moment helped transform Ella from a wish recipient into an advocate and future change-maker. The experience of sharing her story showed her the power of connection and the difference one person's journey can make in the life of another.

Recently, Ella joined Make-A-Wish and Build-A-Bear in Wichita, Kansas to deliver a copy of her book and a Build-A-Bear furry friend to children at the Wesley Children’s Hospital. Ella’s natural connection with families facing a difficult time makes it clear that she has a bright future as a child life specialist.

For Ella, Make-A-Wish became more than a published book. It gave her a voice, strengthened her relationships, and helped her discover her purpose.