Eliza Grimmett (Ellie) is 15 years old and has been taking part in the Easterseals direct care program since 2022. She is an absolute ray of light, and you can't help but smile whenever she is around!
Ellie has a very rare condition called Tetrasomy 18p that causes feeding difficulties, hypotonia, chronic lung issues, and global developmental delays. She has had several hospitalizations & spinal surgeries, and our DCP professional "Aunt Oli" has been with our family every step of the way. She make sure that Ellie gets to and from her multitude of therapy appointments, and works on Ellie's developmental goals and objectives when she is with Ellie at our home. Ellie is tube fed, and Aunt Oli has worked hard to become a pro at administering tube feedings, medications, and any other services that Ellie needs inside the home. Without the services provided through Easterseals, it would be impossible for Ellie's Mom and Dad to work full-time while ensuring that Ellie gets the care she needs.
Ashley, our Direct Support Manager been instrumental in making sure that Ellie gets the equipment, supplies, and care that she needs… she takes so much off our family's plate, and we don't know what we do without her! She coordinates making sure that the necessary prescriptions for services are in place, that providers have everything that they need to sign off on Ellie's equipment and supplies, and also keeps us in the loop of fun activities that are available for Ellie's age group.
Ellie loves music, dancing, and is a huge fan of musical theater and David Bowie. Even though Ellie has had a lot of challenges in her life so far, the support provided by Easterseals has helped her feel more independent and experience fun activities just like any other typical kid. Our family is so grateful to have Easterseals as a part of Team Ellie!