Patch Star Student Athlete: Ella, Rochester Hills

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from Barb Prew who nominated her granddaughter Ella 4th Grade of Rochester-Rochester Hills.

Star student athlete’s name

Ella 4th Grade

Star student athlete’s home state

Michigan

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Rochester-Rochester Hills

How do you know the star student athlete?

Grandparent

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Swimming

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

Ella is a 4th grader who has learned early on that life can throw challenges your way. Ella had her first hospitalization in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the age of two due to severe pneumonia. At this point Doctors thought it was just bad luck. Two and a half years later Ella spent nine days in the hospital again with severe pneumonia. Six months later, she again was admitted to the PICU with severe pneumonia. Throughout those years, Ella was in three different hospital systems, saw five pulmonologists, two immunologists, two cardiologists, an ENT, infectious disease doctors, GI specialists, holistic doctor and countless visits with her primary pediatrician. Ella and her family spent a total of 307 days in a bubble in order to protect Ella from the unknown as recommended by her doctors. She was taken out of Pre-School and had to miss 4 months of Kindergarten to keep her safe. She also had to stop swimming, which is what she loves doing most. At 6.5 years old, Ella was diagnosed with viral induced asthma. Eight months later, covid hit, and it was recommended that Ella and her family re-enter "the bubble". Ella again had to stop swimming for 1.5 years until she was nine. She is now back in the pool, as she describes as her "happy place," doing what she loves the most. She competed in her first State Meet this past summer and had the time of her life with her team. Ella has a goal this year to get a Zone Cut in the 50 and 100 Butterfly and join Team Michigan this summer.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

Ella is continuously described as an "old soul". She has a heart of gold and brings joy to everyone around her. She is always trying to lift others up and help when she can. She's determined and hard working. Ella puts 100% into everything she does and we couldn't be more proud of her.

Keep up the great work, Ella 4th Grade!

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Know an outstanding student athlete? Nominate them here.