StemCell Therapy

One of the things Jody Bumgardner had in common with her 10-year-old daughter, Ella, was shyness.

She was super shy. At 10, she still wanted me to walk her to her class, said Bumgardner, who will put aside her own shyness on Jan. 18 to speak at First Baptist Church of North Augustas Mix and Mingle With a Mission event at 10 a.m. The event is sponsored by the churchs womens ministry.

The last time Bumgardner walked Ella to her Awana class was Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. Unbeknownst to her family, Ella had been born with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), and on that night while still at church, her brain began to bleed.

Medical professionals attending First Baptist recommended Ella be taken to the hospital after she exhibited a myriad of symptoms including severe pain, blindness and difficulty breathing. They called an ambulance that took her to the Childrens Hospital of Georgia, where she died two days later.

Bumgardner will share Ellas story at the Jan. 18 meeting as well as speak about a program her family has started called Ellas Gift, which provides small gifts for children at the hospital.

We wanted to think of ways to keep her memory alive and be able to help people, she said.

They began taking the gifts to the hospital not long after Ellas death.

Small coloring and activity books, crayons, stickers, a small New Testament and other items are placed into the green bags embroidered with Ellas name on them. Green was Ellas favorite color. The bags also come with a card with Ellas photo and her story on the back.

They provide some distraction from a scary test or keep them occupied while in the hospital, Bumgardner said.

Theyve heard that children now look forward to the items, and they try to keep the hospital stocked with them, she said.

She will be taking donations for Ellas Gift at the Jan. 18 meeting.

Bumgardner said it brings her joy knowing Ella still makes a difference even though shes no longer alive.

She would be so embarrassed at all the attention, she said. Im so thankful God has used her life.

Not only will she talk about Ella on Jan. 18, but Bumgardner will share pieces of her own story and how her faith has helped her through.

(Gods) been there every step of the way, she said.

She said shes found comfort in scripture including ones such as Philippians 4:13, which says in the King James version, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Its a verse she walks out on a daily basis, she said.

I couldnt do this if it wasnt for him, she said.

She said there are some days when shed rather stay home and cry, but she remembers that verse and it helps her through the day. She knows that her life helps other people, and that means a lot to her as well.

The event is free and open to area women. Registration is available online at http://www.csrachurch.org. Click on Events, then Mix & Mingle. The deadline to register is Jan. 12.

Follow this link:
Ellas Gift: Childs memory lives on through gifts to others - The Augusta Chronicle

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