At 19 and on the edge of adulthood, Ellie Jean Sullivan is figuring things out.
Like how to support herself while attending Tennessee School of Beauty and working. Keeping up with six siblings. Achieving that work-play balance.
But just days ago, this 2023 graduate of Maryville High School got a lot more to deal with. She first went to Blount Memorial Hospital with mom, Myshele Sullivan, after unexplained pain and weakness. From there, it was on to the University of Tennessee Medical Center and now East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
The diagnosis — acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or ALL, a common childhood cancer. Ellie is currently receiving treatments at Children’s and may be able to go home soon, with regular visits to the hospital for continued care.
Myshele said her daughter, who has a fear of needles, is demonstrating bravery and optimism during this difficult time. Ellie lives with her parents along with three younger brothers.
Knowing she has a community in her corner, is certainly helping, this Maryville mom said. A friend has set up a gofundme.com account to raise money for what will likely be huge medical bills. Local businesses, like Designs by Whitney, ABC Monograms and others are coming alongside with gifts and fundraisers. All of it has given this family an overwhelming feeling of gratitude.
“People from across the country have mailed her things,” Myshele said. “It is unbelievable. People we don’t even know.”
Myshele said there is a church in Knoxville that sent a group of women to pray over Ellie in the hospital. All were complete strangers, Myshele said.
It’s been about two weeks since Ellie learned her diagnosis. Friends from MHS have been by her side. The entire Sullivan family, including Ellie’ dad, Shawn Sullivan, were born right here in this county. Shawn works for Arconic as an industrial electrician.
Blackberry Farm has reached out, the Corner Market, even a local dentist and fast-food restaurant. “I have never seen anything like it in my life,” Myshele said.
She said all the ways this community has shown they care are important not just in the monetary sense. “Everything that’s been done has made it to where we can just focus on Ellie,” her mom explained.
Ellie has responded well to her treatments and remains very optimistic, Myshele said. Her strength has even surprised Myshele.
This will be a two and a half year battle, doctors have told the family. They are taking it one day at a time.
This mom just wants Blount County to know the generosity is appreciated. Ellie has just started her adult life and is working on her future. Having tons of medical debt is not the way anyone wants to start out, she said.
“We are not even going to think about that right now,” Myshele said.
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