Meet Ellis, a happy 18-month-old bundle of joy whose infectious laughter and spirit light up every room he enters. Ellis was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).

Ellis steals the spotlight with his hilarious antics and loves the company of his siblings, Millie (8.5) and Dean (6.5), and faithful labradoodle, Kona. He finds joy in the simple pleasures of fuzzy blankets, books, and an insatiable love for food.

During the week, Ellis gets to hang out at The Book Nook Preschool where his mom is the owner & teacher! He has preschool friends that he adores.

Communicating through sign language, Ellis is mastering the art of navigating the world on his terms.

Ellis’s journey began with the discovery of HLHS, a condition where the left side of the heart doesn’t form correctly. He has had two major surgeries—the Norwood at just 5 days old and the Glenn in September 2022.

He battled to stay healthy fighting illnesses such as Chylothorax, a condition that causes a severe cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing as well as other life-threatening infections.

Ongoing health challenges include arrhythmia, reduced lung capacity, and the anticipation of future surgeries including a heart transplant. His heart arrhythmia needs ongoing management with baby aspirin and Propranolol.

Ellis will be adopted as the first Sparrow to Page Elementary School in Springfield OR. Students will work hard to earn money for Ellis through sponsored community service.