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Ella Gourlay

Ella Gourlay

Age: 11 | Gender: F

💛 Ella’s AML Battle: Holding On to Hope

Being a Charleston Elf is more than a kind gesture—it is a commitment to providing a child the full holiday experience they deserve. While you are not required to purchase every single item on their wish list, the expectation is that each Elf provides the child with all of their holiday gifts. We understand that not everyone can take on that level of commitment alone and warmly encourage you to team up with friends, family, or coworkers who would like to make a meaningful impact as well.

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Ella's Story

In a world that often moves too fast, there are moments that stop us in our tracks — moments that remind us of the fragility of life and the strength of love. This is one of those moments.
Our beautiful daughter, Ella Gourlay, is just 9 years old. In July 2025, our world was shaken when Ella relapsed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Since then, she has been inpatient, courageously battling this relentless disease with a spirit that humbles us every single day. Her laughter still echoes through hospital halls, even as she endures treatments no child should ever have to face.
Ella’s bone marrow transplant is scheduled for October 23rd — a date we hold close to our hearts, filled with hope and fear. After the transplant, we’ll need to stay near the hospital for over 100 days. That means another Christmas spent away from home, away from the warmth of familiar traditions, and apart from the comfort of normalcy.
Financially, this journey has stretched us thin. Damian and I take turns traveling back and forth each week, trying to be present for Ella while also caring for our other three children. The cost of travel, lodging, and lost work hours has been overwhelming. But through it all, we cling to faith, to each other, and to the love that continues to surround us.
This Christmas, we humbly ask for your help. Whether through prayers, support, or kindness in any form — it would mean the world to our family. Your generosity would not only ease our burden but remind us that we’re not walking this road alone.
We dream of the day Ella is healthy again — when we can pay forward the love we’ve received and bless other families facing similar battles. Until then, we hold onto hope, and we thank you from the depths of our hearts.
May God bless you always,
With love,
Ella’s Family 💛

Ella's Hobbies & Interests

Makeup, clothes, shoes, purses (shopping lol)

Ella's Wishlist

Shirt Size: Kids Large
Pant Size: 12 Kids
Shoe Size: 2.5

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/35LMLFQ152CT3?ref_=list_d_wl_lfu_nav_4

The Gourlay Family

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HOW IT WORKS

Become an Elf

  • Step 1. Select a Child

    Choose a child to sponsor from our list of deserving kids.

  • Step 2. Purchase Items

    Start shopping! Purchase the items from their wishlist.

  • Step 3. Bring Your Gifts

    Join the fun — bring your gifts to our wrapping party.
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Make a Donation

You don't have to sponsor a child to help make a difference — make a donation instead to contribute to bringing holiday cheer to a deserving family. 100% of all donation go directly to a family in need.

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