Ella Ruiz is a two-year old little girl who was born with Downs Syndrome.  She was diagnosed with leukemia in April 2009 and has been receiving treatment at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon.  Ella’s family has since been struggling with the ramifications of Ella’s diagnosis. Her father earns a modest income and her mother was already on unpaid leave from work, having just given birth to twin boys in the same month. 

Lodging became an issue for the family as they live 3 ∏ hours away from the hospital. The distance and costs would be far too great for the family to sustain. Additionally, Ella’s immune system was compromised due to treatment and could not be around many people.  Her twin brothers were born prematurely and required special care as well.  Unable to travel back home due to financial and medical concerns, the family requested assistance with lodging from ALSF. Through our Travel For Care Program, we were able to book them a room at a nearby hotel on three separate occasions. This gave the family a place to stay in between and during treatment, and also allowed Ella to recover in an isolated area.

Ella finished treatment in November of 2009 and is now in remission!

Written by Shirley Moy, ALSF Travel For Care Program Administrator
January 2010