About Ellie: Raising a Blind Child

Ellie experiences the world a little differently — through sound, touch, movement, and connection. From early on, we knew Ellie experienced life a little differently. After many appointments, tests, and conversations with specialists, we learned that Ellie lives with Septo-Optic Dysplasia (SOD), a rare neurological condition that affects her vision, hormone regulation, and development. Her diagnosis helped us understand that her challenges were never about effort or behavior — they were about how her brain developed and how she experiences the world. Ellie works incredibly hard every day through therapy, exploration, and learning new ways to move, communicate, and interact with her surroundings. But more than anything, she is curious, loving, and full of personality.