by River Ellis Foundation | Mar 28, 2025 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
A local high school graduate suffered a brain bleed while attending JMU, losing function on her right side and the ability to speak. After weeks of rehabilitation, she regained the ability to walk but continued to suffer from significant impairments in strength and...
by River Ellis Foundation | Mar 8, 2025 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
A Chesapeake mother was forced to stop working so that she could be by her child’s side during cancer treatment at St. Jude Children’s Hospital. REF covered rent for this family until the mother could return to work.
by River Ellis Foundation | Feb 23, 2025 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
A nurse at CHKD suddenly became the sole caretaker of her daughter and four grandchildren after her daughter delivered a premature baby and suffered a stroke. To ease the immediate financial burden, REF stepped in to cover the grandmother’s rent.
by River Ellis Foundation | Feb 22, 2025 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
A husband and father of four was in his hometown of Virginia Beach for work when he tragically lost his life in a car accident. The River Ellis Foundation stepped in to cover the costs for his family to travel from Texas to Virginia Beach, allowing them to attend his...
by River Ellis Foundation | Jan 23, 2025 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
A 14-year-old boy lost his mom in October and moved in with his dad. Having been homeschooled his entire life, he faced challenges adjusting to public school for the first time. After his mom’s passing, her boyfriend sold all their belongings, including the...
by River Ellis Foundation | Jan 18, 2025 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
A husband and father of four was in Virginia Beach for work when he tragically lost his life in a car accident. The River Ellis Foundation stepped in to cover the costs for his family to travel from Texas to Virginia Beach, allowing them to attend his funeral and say...
by River Ellis Foundation | Jan 15, 2025 | Sunrise Story
A 5-year-old girl from Honduras, undergoing treatment at CHKD for aplastic anemia, tragically lost her battle with the illness. The River Ellis Foundation ensured her family could honor her wishes by covering the cost of transporting her body back to Honduras for...
by River Ellis Foundation | Dec 23, 2024 | Sunrise Story
A father of two suffered a severe stroke and has been hospitalized for a month. He has a 20-year-old son and a 14-year-old son with severe autism, who is unable to attend school. The father is being transferred to Sheltering Arms Rehab Facility in Richmond, leaving...
by River Ellis Foundation | Dec 16, 2024 | Sunrise Story
A mother of three young children had to stop working because her infant required a feeding tube and a breathing machine. Since these treatments made daycare unavailable, she eventually exhausted all her sick leave. The River Ellis Foundation stepped in to support this...
by River Ellis Foundation | Nov 25, 2024 | Sunrise Story
A family of 10 lost everything they owned in a house fire. REF provided them with a two week hotel stay and assistance replacing all of their essential items.
by River Ellis Foundation | Nov 16, 2024 | Sunrise Story
A husband and father of two young children tragically passed away while playing golf at a company retreat. The River Ellis Foundation immediately covered the family’s mortgage to provide critical support during their time of need.
by River Ellis Foundation | Oct 25, 2024 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
Five children were home alone when they found a stranger floating in their pool. They called 911 and witnessed the paramedics trying to revive the man who ultimately died. The children were all very traumatized after this incident did not feel comfortable remaining in...
