Mattilyn Gourlay

Meet Mattilyn — Ella’s Sister, Her Steady Source of Strength
At just 7 years old, Mattilyn carries a quiet kind of courage — the kind that often goes unseen, but never unfelt. She’s Ella’s sister, her confidante, and her gentle protector. While Ella faces the unimaginable fight against Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Mattilyn stands beside her in spirit, holding space for love, hope, and healing.
Mattilyn misses her big sister deeply. She misses their bedtime whispers, their shared giggles, and the way Ella always made everything feel magical. But even in Ella’s absence, Mattilyn shows remarkable resilience. She helps at home, comforts her younger brother DJ, and asks thoughtful questions that reveal a heart far wiser than her years.
This Christmas, Mattilyn won’t have the holiday she’s used to — no cozy mornings at home, no familiar traditions with the whole family together. But what she will have is the unwavering love of her parents, the hope that Ella’s transplant brings, and the kindness of a community that’s wrapping its arms around her family.
Mattilyn reminds us that strength doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it’s found in the quiet bravery of a little girl who loves her sister fiercely and believes in brighter days ahead.

Ella’s Fight with Cancer……
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 💛

Barbie’s, Horses, Drawing, shopping

Shirt Size: Medium
Pant Size: 8
Shoe Size: 2.5

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