Shortly before her first birthday, Ellie experienced her first seizure while on vacation. Within a week, she was taken to two hospitals before being airlifted to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, N.C. After a series of tests, Ellie was diagnosed with epilepsy, a neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the central nervous system and can cause recurrent seizures, including loss of consciousness.
While medications initially helped control Ellie’s seizures, her family faced ongoing uncertainty about her future. After four years of living with the condition, her doctors recommended a temporal lobectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the portion of the brain causing the seizures, just before her fifth birthday.
Ellie’s care team used MRI technology to map critical areas of her brain before surgery. Thanks to support from Children’s Miracle Network, specialized equipment and life-saving care are available for children who need it most.
Ellie was cared for by Dr. Mark Van Poppel, a pediatric neurosurgeon, and his wife, Dr. Kate Van Poppel, a pediatric neurologist and epileptologist — affectionately known as the “Van Poppel Dynamic Duo” — along with a dedicated team of specialists. Months of careful planning went into preparing for Ellie’s surgery, which she underwent on March 9, 2017, at Levine Children’s Hospital.
Today, Ellie is 13 years old and remains seizure-free. She is a competitive gymnast and an A/B Honor Roll student. Thanks to the skill, dedication, and support of her care team, Ellie is thriving, and her journey is entering a new chapter.
In 2026, Ellie will serve as the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Champion, leading campaigns across Greater Charlotte to raise awareness and funds for the hospital that has cared for her every step of the way. In this role, she will help shine a light on the life-changing care provided at Levine Children’s Hospital.
“I am so grateful for the doctors and nurses,” Ellie shared. “I would like to give other kids a second chance by becoming a CRNA like my mom.”
Ellie’s story reflects the power of advanced medical technology, specialized pediatric care, and compassionate support services — all made possible through the generosity of Children’s Miracle Network partners and donors.
Because of philanthropy and the expertise of Atrium Health, children like Ellie don’t just survive, they truly thrive. As the 2026 CMN Champion, Ellie will inspire others and help ensure that Levine Children’s Hospital continues to deliver hope and healing to children across the region.
