Meet Ellie & Paige, a Foxbox Family Story!

Tell us about you and your family

We are now a family of six! Ellie Rose has three big brothers, Hunter, Carter and Alexander. We enjoy camping and dirt biking racing. Although Ellie is still too little to watch brothers race. 

What illness was Ellie diagnosed with? 

Ellie was born at 34weeks, when she was 8 weeks old she got diagnosed with RSV.

What did you feel and experience learning the diagnosis?

I was so scared, Ellie’s older brother Carter was also sent up to Portland with RSV at 8 weeks old. Going through that a second time was even harder. Watching your child struggle even on a ventilator is horrible. Ellie had to be paralyzed to be on the ventilator and it was the most traumatic part of being in the hospital honestly. 

What have you struggled with along the journey? 

I am still struggling with a little anxiety, as Ellie has been getting sick frequently since we got home. 

What might people not understand about your experience? 

People might not understand the anxiety that goes along with having no idea what could happen to their child. Not having very much input from the medical staff was worse. I felt like I had to ask every time what was happening or how she was truly doing. It’s heartbreaking not knowing what could/is going to happen. 

What were you doing before Foxbox to meet your needs?

I was not doing anything. It was days of just sitting and waiting. Couldn’t sleep, or really do anything with Ellie. 

What time or effort does Foxbox save you?

Foxbox saved my sanity. Once I got my box I grabbed books and just started reading to Ellie even though she was sedated. Foxbox gave me books, toys that are age appropriate and even items I used while in the hospital like the yeti cups and tea! 

With this saved time, what are you able to focus on instead?

I was able to focus on Ellie. 

What did you feel when you received your Foxbox?

I honestly cried, I didn’t expect that much in the Foxbox. It also had items for Ellie’s Big brothers, dad and I. So many AMAZING books, and toys. 

How has Ellie been supported by her Foxbox?

When Ellie was finally off the ventilator we were able to play with some of her toys while working with PT/OT it was so beneficial, we actually got her first real smile while up there. When I was holding books up Ellie was really focusing on the different pictures, she seemed to enjoy the bright red/orange on the pages. 

How did Ellie’s Foxbox help the atmosphere in your hospital room?

[Ellie’s Foxbox] made me more comfortable, we used her Tula blanket instead of the rough hospital ones which seemed to help her sleep better. 

What has been Ellie’s favorite item?

Ellie enjoys all her Toys! She is starting to figure out the NogginStik Rattle. She gets excited and really kicks her legs! 

 What has been your favorite item?

For myself were the [Smith] teas and the Yeti cups, for Ellie I really liked the Tula blanket and all her books, especially the [Slumberkins] alpaca one.