In 2011, Ella Wilson was diagnosed with type 1 neurofibromatosis, or NF1, a genetic disorder in which nerve tissue grows tumors.
Since that time, Ella has brought food and blankets to the homeless in Philadelphia on her way to chemotherapy, raised $10,000 for NF1 in 2013, held numerous fundraisers and events for sick children at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and last year had a Christmas toy drive and party for nearly 80 kids from families displaced by Hurricane Sandy.
Not bad for an 8-year-old Evans Elementary School girl.
Now, Ella looks to add another toy drive and Christmas party to her list of accomplishments, this time benefiting the families of those in the military who have been, are about to be or are currently deployed overseas.
“Basically, I want to give thanks to them for protecting us and all the work that they do out there, and I just want to give them a break and make sure they’re having fun also with their kids,” Ella said.
According to Ella, the start of her charitable streak was as simple as repeatedly seeing a homeless woman across the street during her trips CHOP and wanting to help.
“I told my mom ‘Mom, I want to help people, I want to really help people.’ So then all of a sudden, I started to help the homeless people,” Ella said.
According to Ella’s mother Terri, Ella started asking for donations of coats and gloves from friends and family on her “Hope For Ella” Facebook page, yet another part of Ella’s unique story.
Currently around 5,500 likes, the page was originally created to keep friends and family updated on Ella’s progress.
“For me, at first, I was struggling and I was worried but everybody supported me on Hope For Ella,” Ella said.
Since its creation, the page has turned into a mini-phenomenon where Ella’s family, friends and fans can keep an eye on her condition, as well as learn about what altruistic activity she’s up to next.
“Facebook support was so fantastic to be able to reach out and say ‘hi,’ and when she started these projects, it gave other people inspiration, like ‘oh my goodness this girl is having all these medical issues and yet she’s able to do these kinds of things. I really shouldn’t be complaining about my car not starting,’” Terri said.
As for the original Christmas toy drive and party for victims of Hurricane Sandy, Terri said the idea sprang from Ella wanting to hold a Christmas party at CHOP, but health regulations prevented her from bringing in the crafts and DJ and other aspects she wanted.
Later, Ella saw a New Jersey Strong Hurricane Sandy commercial and decided that’s whom she wanted to help.
“It just seems to be whatever she’s feeling,” Terri said. “This year, she’s done a lot of stuff with soldiers. Like if she sees a soldier in a store, I have to watch, because sometimes she’ll break away.”
For this year’s Christmas drive, Ella has also been asking for donations at Evans Elementary, which she excitedly referred to as “the best school I’ve ever been to.”
With Ella having moved to Marlton in July and having started third grade at Evans in September, principal Nick DiBlasi said he believes Ella has quickly become a student the whole staff looks at for inspiration.
“She’s always got ideas and she’s always thinking of others, which I think is definitely the highlight for us in terms of the types of things we’re trying to get our students to understand,” DiBlasi said.
Those looking donate to Ella’s Christmas toy drive and party fundraiser can visit or message her Hope For Ella Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HopeForElla for details.
“I just love to help kids,” Ella said.
