September 2025 Spotlight: Ellen Salome Memorial Fund
About Ellen Salome
Ellen Salome was a 9-year-old in 4th grade when she became a Cardiology patient at the Nemours Children’s Hospital. It was the first time there was ever any concern for her heart. Ellen just came back from her first away camp and was Irish dancing in the extreme heat for hours. It seemed sudden that she wasn’t herself and after her pediatrician listened to Ellen’s heart, he sent her to directly through the emergency department for an ultrasound.
Finding a New Heart
Urgently, Ellen was admitted with severe heart failure with severe dilated cardiomyopathy with a team of specialists searching for answers and treatments. A few days after her admission a blood test confirmed Ellen was born with a genetic mutation and the only chance of long-time survival was a heart transplant. She was a fun-loving adventurous child who went from healthy and innocent to scared and terminal in a matter of hours. Her life had changed forever. Ellen would need a heart transplant to live. Her chance at going back to school with her friends was up to a stranger’s choice to be an organ donor. Her Gift of Life came just 20 days after she was diagnosed.
Finding a New Normal
Ellen’s transplant would require commitment, caution, and grace. Like others who receive organ transplants; Ellen would need frequent medical appointments, tests, and procedures to keep a close eye on her heart health and prevent new illness. Only three months after her transplant, Ellen had an urgent second open heart surgery to remove a blood clot from inside of her heart. The five years’ post-transplant were full moments pivoting to become familiar with a new normal. New rules, new ideas, new fights and worries commonly took space in everyday conversations as Ellen began to navigate into her teenage years while caring for her heart physically and emotionally.
In High-school and Middle-school Ellen reached for the stars! She was smart, an All-American cheer athlete, who had a passion for song and theater. Ellen engaged with others to test her knowledge, humor and find herself as a young woman. She believed in herself and encouraged others to do so for themselves. Ellen gifted us with her charity, volunteering, team spirit and can-do attitude. Ellen’s smile will never be forgotten.
Sadly, Ellen died peacefully at home with her parents on Monday, April 14, 2025. Ellen is survived by her parents and older siblings who miss her more each day that goes by. In her memory, the Ellen Salome Memorial Fund nonprofit was established to gift other teens graduating high school, support cardiac health and wellness and transplant support to teens.
Learn more about Ellen
Donate to the Fund
Event Details:
Monday, September 29, 2025
Transplant Alliance Bingo
799 N State Street, Door 56
Pottstown, PA 19464
Doors Open: 5:00 PM
Early Birds: 6:15 PM
Bingo Starts: 6:30 PM
(No entry after 6:45 PM)
Admission:
9-on: $15
12-on: $20
18-on: $25
Game Payouts:
Regular Games: $75
Special Games: $125
Jackpot: Up to $1,000
Extra Games:
Early Birds
GET 7
Money Machine
Plinko
Hot Ball
EVERYONE in the building must have an admission ticket.
Questions? Text or Call: 484-752-8985
Tickets & Details: www.transplantalliancebingo.com
All proceeds will go towards the Ellen Salome Memorial Fund! ❤️ Let’s make a difference together!
Mission Monday Sponsored by:
Walmart Store 3810
(215) 679-2782
620 GRAVEL PIKE
EAST GREENVILLE, PA
18041-2130
Thank you, Walmart, for helping our mission!