Eli's Angels is a small nonprofit named after
Elijah Kurtz. He was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease called Leigh's at 5 1/2 months old. On 11.25.2005 at 2 years old, he left this earth to be pain free and do all that his body would not allow him on earth. He was my son. His life was a blessing to me and to all of those that had the privilege to meet my little angel. Though he never could walk, talk, or communicate as a normal child, Eli had his own way.
My husband and I started Eli's Angels long before Elijah earned his wings. I enjoyed reading to my sweet boy all the time. We found adventures and meaning in many children's books. It was a time to bond and do something "normal" together. As a mother, I wanted all of the children affected as Eli was to have the same thing. With-in the first few months Eli's Angels had grown to a 20 children across the country. Now we have 98 children throughout the United States. Our members are affected with a mitochondrial or metabolic disease. Each one is affected differently. Throughout their lives these children will have countless stays in and out of hospitals. Along with normal ailments most of these kids face numerous handicaps.
Our program provides a book for each child every month. They also get a special package on their birthday and a gift box for Christmas. As an extra message of love our awesome groups of volunteers write a note card to each child every month just to let them know we care.
Eli's Angels Mission is to send children with Leigh's disease, mitochondrial or metabolic disorders a gift, for them to enjoy, create memories, know they are special and provide support to the families who care for them.
This program gives each of these special children a place to belong to fit in with kids with similar issues. It also provides a chance for parents to get to know other parents with affected children. Awareness for the general public is crucial. Our program puts faces to many Mitochondrial and metabolic diseases that are often unheard of. Supporting these families, their children and letting others know they exist is how we help our community.
Thank you
Ann Kurtz
Eli's Angels
PO BOX 423 Eastlake Co 80614-0423
www.elisangels.org