Ella B, age 3

Photograph by Jamie Organ (2023)

Ella is sweet, smart, sassy, and funny! She loves to give hugs, kisses, high fives, and fist bumps. Her big personality can make the saddest person happy!

Ella spent the first 18 days of her life in neonatal intensive care. She was born with a diagnosis of Down syndrome but is blessed to not have any heart defects. Since her days in the NICU, she continues to be a little fighter who is determined to meet her milestones!

When she is not working on her therapy goals, Ella loves playing with her toys, watching Cocomelon, and spending time with her brothers.

Her family is inspired by every milestone—large or small—that Ella continues to meet. Her mom, Lacey, says, “Ella has given us a whole new outlook on life and made us more patient. She is the most amazing and vibrant little girl who always makes us proud!”

Family Connection of South Carolina provides services and resources to families who have a child with a disability or specialized healthcare need. Since 1990 we have served more than 100,000 families and today our services are needed more than ever. We focus on parent-to-parent support, guidance with navigating the complex healthcare system, and assistance with school meetings and special education plans.