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Ellie Levy was a fighter from the start. She loved life and lived it fully. Ellie battled cystic fibrosis until she passed away at the age of 23. She was bright, funny and wise. Ellie cared enormously for others. She felt particularly passionate about helping other children and young adults who, like herself, battled life-threatening illnesses. Ellie wanted to ensure that all children had what they needed to survive, regardless of cost.
“I know first-hand how difficult it is to have a child battling a critical illness. The idea that many families are also faced with tremendous financial stress is unfathomable,” says Stacey Levy, founder, and CEO of the Ellie’s Army Foundation. “Some families who come to us are already living in their cars. These circumstances have a direct impact on a child’s health.”
Stacey and her husband, Brian, began the foundation in 2001 to provide financial support to these families so they could focus on their children’s health.
On Sunday, March 5th, Ellie’s Army will hold its 5th Annual Dirty Socks 5K Run & Walkathon. Why ‘Dirty Socks’? Ellie had two back-to-back double lung transplants at the end of her life. She was told that she needed to walk to get well. Her transplant surgeon asked to see her “dirty socks” to prove that she had been walking. Despite the pain, Ellie walked and walked.
“We are so grateful for the tremendous support we have received from the City of Aventura. The proceeds from the event will make a direct impact on the lives of these children. It will give them the ability to have what they need to live as long and healthy a life as possible,” added Cindy Orlinsky, who chairs the event each year along with her husband Scott.
All children in the hospital wear medical socks. They must walk to get well. Sometimes, they can only walk a few steps. On March 5th , you can walk for critically ill children…you can walk for Ellie!
This event will be held virtually and in person. For questions, info@elliesarmy.org or call (305) 756-0068. To register or find out more information, visit www.dirtysocks.org.
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