Heart transplant recipient gives back to children facing medical challenges
By Ellisyn Sanders
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WICHITA, Kansas (KAKE) — Growing up with a serious heart condition, Ella Morrissey often felt alone.
Diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as a child, Morrissey spent years navigating medical challenges before receiving a life-saving heart transplant at 17 years old.
Now 21, she’s using her experience to help children facing similar journeys.
On Tuesday, Morrissey partnered with Make-A-Wish to deliver Build-A-Bear stuffed animals and copies of her children’s book, Ella’s New Beat, to pediatric patients at Wesley Children’s Hospital.
The book, inspired by her own medical journey, was created through a Make-A-Wish experience and is designed to help children and families facing serious illnesses.
Morrissey said one of the most difficult parts of her illness was feeling different from the other children her age. That’s one reason she wanted to spend time with patients at Wesley, to help them know they are not alone.
“My friends and family would sympathize with me, but there was no one to really understand it, so it was very isolating, and I felt like I didn’t have anyone to talk to and no one to relate to,” said Morrissey.
Several children received the surprise gifts and had the opportunity to meet Morrissey, whose story of resilience and recovery resonated.
One patient, Ava Thibodeau, said meeting Morrissey was especially meaningful because she could relate to someone who had faced similar challenges and came out stronger on the other side.
“It definitely makes it feel a little bit easier, less overwhelming, because the hospital gets really scary sometimes,” Thibodeau said. “So, it’s just nice getting to talk with someone that’s been through that before and is recovered now”
Morrissey is now pursuing a career as a child life specialist, hoping to support children in hospitals much like those who supported her.
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