3 minute read
Oley's Annual Appeal
Sarah Ellis | Oley Board Director
I’m Sarah Ellis, a mom and researcher who, like many others, has learned to navigate a world I never expected to know so well. My daughter, Maisie, is a lively and curious first grader who has been on TPNIV nutrition since the day she was born due to short bowel syndrome. While Maisie has a rare and complex medical condition, she approaches life as it should be: filled with playground adventures, explorations on hiking trails, and laughter with her little brother.
During the day, I work on social policy to address homelessness, but when I come home, I enter a different world. I’ve become skilled at navigating care teams, deciphering Medicaid waivers, problemsolving supply shortages, and advocating for Maisie’s quality of life. In many ways, being Maisie’s mom has taught me more than any classroom or career ever could. I’ve learned the importance of community, resilience, and finding joy in the little things many people take for granted.
I’m excited to be joining the Oley Board this year to do whatever I can to make sure everyone on nutrition support feels the strength of this community. And I am so grateful to all the donors and partners who make Oley’s mission possible. Supporting Oley helps strengthen this community from hospital rooms to clinic rooms to living rooms. Each donation to Oley’s mission means one more person, one more caregiver, one more family doesn’t feel alone, no matter where they are on their own journey.
Oley has been a lifeline for us and for families like ours, providing a network of people who understand our unique challenges. Through Oley, we’ve connected with other parents and families who share our experiences, worries, and hopes. Oley has offered us knowledge and support, but perhaps most importantly, it has given us a sense of belonging and a space where we feel understood. One of the biggest shifts we’ve felt as we’ve connected with others and learned more about nutrition support has been from thinking nutrition support was a “problem to solve” to appreciating the quality of life it can give Maisie and making sure she knows anything is possible for her (and for us as parents and caregivers).
Today, I’m asking you to consider supporting this incredible organization. Your gift helps families like mine continue to find connections and comfort, and it allows Oley to provide resources, information, and compassion that make a significant difference in our lives.
Thank you for considering donating to Oley. Your support means more than you can imagine to families like ours, who find strength and hope in this remarkable community.
With heartfelt gratitude, Sarah Ellis
P.S. Each donation to Oley’s mission means one more person, one more caregiver, one more family doesn’t feel alone, no matter where they are on their own journey.
