Diane Ellis

Chicago, IL

North-Central Catastrophic Illness Fund

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In honor of Diane Ellis

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2 Radnor Corporate Center
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100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087

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Diane Ellis is a 66-year-old award-winning music teacher, jazz educator, saxophonist and internationally known performer who suffered a hemorrhagic stroke on Friday, April 15, 2016 during a live performance for the Jazz Institute of Chicago. She is bedridden and paralyzed on her left side.

Diane taught music to all grade levels at Dixon Elementary School in Chatham (where she also lives) for 23 years. She mentored many young people who have gone on to professional careers in many areas including music production, music performance and teaching. She comes from a musical family dynasty; her uncles Jimmy and Morris Ellis represent an important branch of Chicago jazz history. But Diane’s own contribution to Chicago Jazz history is singularly important, because there is no one else who has devoted a career to building a school-wide program that introduces and trains very young children in the joy of jazz. Diane is also known for her career as Lil Sax, the indomitable alto saxophone player whose bright tone livened up any band she performed in.

Five years ago, Diane was leading a tribute to one of her musical heroes, Jimmy McGriff when she collapsed onstage having suffered a hemorrhagic stroke that affected the left side of her body. She was rushed to the hospital and treated for several weeks, after which she was sent to a rehab facility. Diane was making progress through therapy that was helping her relearn how to walk and slowly regain some limited use of her left arm and leg. There was great hope that she would continue to improve with regular therapy sessions when her insurance coverage ended and she was sent home. She has been at home since, with no therapy for nearly 2 years.

Anyone who knows Diane knows she is eternally optimistic, hopeful and cheerful. But nobody is ever prepared to lose the ability to do the very thing that keeps their fire lit; her music and her teaching. Diane is paying out-of-pocket for such items as her insurance, full-time nursing and home health caregivers 7 days a week to do everything from meal preparation and cleaning the house to providing emotional support and bathing and turning Diane. Combine this expense with the cost of physical and occupational therapy and Diane is looking at roughly $75,000 per year. Her home requires extensive modifications for her to continue to live there. Without her teaching income, her financial hardships will continue to increase. Diane needs our help!

To help with the financial burden of the uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign has been established in honor of Diane Ellis with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to help patients and families in need for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law and are held by Help Hope Live in the North-Central Catastrophic Illness Fund in honor of Diane Ellis. Donations are allocated by Help Hope Live based on financial need for medical expenses. Please consider making a donation today.

For credit card contributions, please click the Give button.

Our community is so grateful for the profound impact Diane has had on so many lives. We have faith that all those who hear Diane’s story and appreciate what she has done for multitudes of children and their families will come to her aid in her time of need. Your financial donation here, big or small, will be incredibly appreciated and go a long, long way to helping Diane on the road to recovery. Thank you!

Al and Charlene Swanson

info@teamdianeellis.com

April 5, 2021

Diane celebrates a milestone, what would have been Tax Day, becoming a 5-year survivor of a catastrophic stroke. She still needs your help. Visit Diane's TeamDiane page at:

www.facebook.com

September 21, 2018

Diane Breaks Bubbles for Help Hope Live.org's 35th Birthday Celebration. (Please see the 1st photo in the photo gallery below.)

May 19, 2018

Look at Diane GO! Diane has continued to thrive at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Thank you to the staff at the Ability Lab and all of TeamDiane for your continued support! Please, don't forget to donate to Diane's HelpHopeLive page. Donations help offset the cost of Diane's medical expenses. Donate: helphopelive.org Please watch the above video of Diane to SEE HOW YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS HELPING DIANE WALK ON HER ROAD TO RECOVERY!

April 20, 2018

Two great new videos posted on this page!

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Diane and her Physical Therapist, Laura, Diane was able to stand this week between the parallel bars at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab! She was also able to start swaying (while seated without back support or assistance as shown in the video) something she loves to do while listening and playing music. This is wonderful news for Diane as she continues her journey to recovery.

Thank you to all of the doctors, nurses, therapists, and supports of Diane Ellis for your continued support. Without you, none of this would have been possible. One step forward, and a million more to go! Let's keep moving forward!

April 18, 2018

A LIFE LONG FRIENDSHIP: Diane surprised her best buddy, Chris Foreman, at Room 43 this past Sunday evening on April 15. 2018. Chris, who plays the mighty Hammond B3 organ, was there to perform on stage with the band, Soul Message, featuring Greg Rockingham (drums), Chris Madsen (sax) and Hinda Hoffman (vocals). In addition to attending South Shore High School ( Chicago Public Schools) with Diane, Chris performed on stage with Diane 2 years ago on April 15, 2016 at La Follette Park when she had the stroke. Everyone was thrilled to see Diane on Sunday, especially Chris. Thank you for your life long friendship Chris!

To see the photo of Diane and Chris, please see her shared Photo Albums below. Thank you for your continued support!

April 14, 2018

5. Finally, Diane really likes the smooth style of Frank Sinatra singing, "Younger Than Springtime"

April 14, 2018

4. Diane said you can't forget the incomparable Sarah Vaughan singing "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most"

April 14, 2018

3. Another spring jazz waltz favorite: "Up Jumped Spring", by Freddie Hubbard

April 14, 2018

2. Here's Diane's favorite classic rendition of: "April in Paris" by Charlie "Bird" Parker

April 14, 2018

For all of you ardent jazz fans, Diane wants to share with you her following favorite Classic "Spring" Jazz songs":

"It Might As Well Be Spring", Ella Fitzgerald

March 27, 2018

Happy Almost Spring TeamDiane! We have some very exciting news to share with you.

As some of you may know via our Social Media, Diane has been evaluated by the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab and was measured for a new wheelchair.

At this point, her out of pocket expenses for her therapy include $600 for her fitted wheelchair and transport service fees for an aide and pace bus. Donations can be made here.

Once the insurance approves Diane's treatment, she will begin speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. We are hopeful that starting a regular routine will put Diane in the right direction in terms of recovery.

Diane is working towards her goals, including holding her saxophone and being able to care for her cats, but it is a long and painful process. She is focusing on making "little by little" improvements with her slogan "less pain, more gain".

We’ve come so far TeamDiane but we still have a long way to go, see our checklist down below. Here are some ways you can help Diane during this time:

1) Donate

Our main goal is to collect enough money to help offset Diane’s ongoing medical expenses. A donation, no matter how small or how big it is, helps Diane in the long run. HelpHopeLive

helphopelive.org

2) Volunteer

Money isn’t the only way you can help support Diane. Here are some ideas for helping Diane beyond just donating to her HelpHopeLive page:

- Spend some quality time with Diane. She would love to have some company and catch up with you! It will be a great way for her to spend her and interact with those she loves and cares about.

- Bring over a meal. Diane is on a healthy food diet now and needs all the nutrients she can get to continue her recovery. Cook her a home cooked meal or surprise her with a healthy dish from one of your favorite restaurants! Please note that Diane can not have any fried or spicy foods.

takethemameal.com

- Lend a hand at home. Diane is unable to do some of the everyday chores we tend to do during our free time. Stop by one day, roll up your sleeves, and help make Diane’s living environment more comfortable for her.

If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to TeamDiane at info@teamdianeellis.com or by phone at (312) 266-1701.

3) Spread the Word

As the saying goes: It takes a village. And Diane has been a part of many “villages” over her lifetime. Take the time to share Diane’s story with your network. Did you go to school with her? Teach with her? Play at a wonderful venue with her? The more people know about what is going on, the better our chances are to continue to provide the resources needed to continue Diane’s recovery.

As Diane keeps moving forward, TeamDiane is here to support her in any way that we can. As her “village”, coming together to provide the love and support she needs will help make this transition and recovery a better journey for her. To all those who have been a part of TeamDiane, thank you for your continued support.

Continue to follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts as well as looking out for more future emails for updates on Diane’s recovery. Happy Spring!

March 23, 2018

HAPPY EASTER! TeamDiane is happy to announce that Diane starts her therapy sessions at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab on Monday, March 26. (See Diane's Therapy Photo Album of her first therapy session.) She is also being fitted for a new customized wheelchair which will help correct her posture and aid in her ability to stand and ultimately walk. This is a HUGE step in Diane's recovery, and she is in high spirits and is excited to update us on her sessions. Though we have made this big step, we still have a long way to go. Please continue to spread the word about Diane's recovery and send a special Easter Treat to her! Your support and donation today on our HelpHopeLive page: helphopelive.org will make a huge difference!

February 26, 2018

Are you a Cat Lover? Diane has five, 14-year old cats. They are Snow (female with white & tan, long hair), Rockit (female, black & tan with bushy tail), Skittles (female, orange tabby), Simba (male, orange tabby) and Twix (male, black & tan). The cats have recently moved to a no-kill shelter (Touched By An Animal) while Diane can concentrate on her upcoming therapy.

You can see Diane with two of her cats in 2 recent photos in her Albums. Your continued support for Diane is so appreciated! Thank you so much!!! TeamDiane!

January 8, 2018

Diane "L'il Sax" wishes everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Please make it your New Year Resolution to help Diane this year! We are still raising money to offset Diane's medical costs as she continues to work on her health in 2018. Share her story and help out today!

There are many different ways to help Diane this new year. Have you considered making or sending her a meal? You can now sign up to make and/or send a meal to Diane throughout the week! Spread the word today!

takethemameal.com

Many Thanks From TeamDiane for a wonderful and blessed 2018!

December 19, 2017

Help Diane Ellis and the Jazz Cats!

Diane “L’il Sax” Ellis is passing her second Christmas since her severe stroke in April, 2016, leaving her paralyzed on her left side. To help her therapy progress, she needs your help. Do you know someone who may help? Please spread the word.

TeamDiane is now searching for foster or adoption homes for Diane's cats, Simba, Rockit, Snow, Twix and Skittles. Unfortunately, Diane is unable to take care of her five 14 year old "jazz" cats and would love for someone to take in a cat or two. Due to her current health condition, the cats have been closed up in one part of the house unable to watch over their dear mom the way they want to. It's hard to let go of your furry friends but Diane understands that it's best they part ways. With the help of the Anti-Cruelty Society, TeamDiane is looking to bypass an animal shelter in favor of home-to-home adoption.

If you are able to adopt a cat or two, please contact Charlene Swanson (charswan@hotmail.com), Diane's cousin. Diane would like for the people who take in her jazz cats to keep her up to date on how they are doing. Please spread the word!

Diane taught at Dixon Elementary for 20 years and has been leader and mentor in the jazz

and south side communities. If you are able, please help us give back to Diane this holiday season.

For more information about home-to-home adoption visit:

anticruelty.org

Can't adopt a cat but looking for another way to help? Consider making a tax-deductible donation to Diane's Help Hope Live fundraiser.

December 15, 2017

DIANE'S CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST: Want to know what Diane is listening to this holiday season? We will be posting her favorite songs for the next few days. The first song on her list is "Songbird" by Kenny G. She explains that she loves the smooth playing of the song.

December 15, 2017

DIANE'S CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST: This next one is a classic Christmas tune with an all so famous group. Diane says that the Jackson 5's version of this classic song is a favorite because she's always been a fan of Motown group. Who isn't after listening to this catchy version of this song?

December 15, 2017

Help Diane Ellis and the Jazz Cats

Diane taught at Dixon Elementary for 20 years and has been leader and mentor in the jazz

and south side communities. If you are able, please help us give back to Diane this holiday season.

For more information about home-to-home adoption visit:

anticruelty.org

Can't adopt a cat but looking for another way to help? Consider making a tax-deductible donation to Diane's Help Hope Live fundraiser.

October 30, 2017

DIANE'S SONG PICK OF THE DAY: To get into the Halloween spirit, we asked Diane what was one of her favorite Halloween themed songs. One of her choices? Witchcraft! Linked below is the Ella Fitzgerald version of the classic song.

www.youtube.com

October 30, 2017

Let's give Diane a special early Halloween treat this weekend!

October 30, 2017

While the Ghouls and Ghost are busy bumping in the night with all their tricks, TeamDiane is inviting you to give something sweet this Halloween season to Diane Ellis. Diane suffered a major stroke last year which has left her paralyzed on her left side and still needs nursing and physical theapy care. Put something "sweet" in Diane's Trick or Treat bag this season. Donations given will go towards helping Diane receive the treatment she deserves!

October 3, 2017

For more information, please visit www.TeamDianeEllis.com

September 29, 2017

Summer Camp 2009- Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Summer Camp 2009: Experience the exuberance of Diane Ellis’ inspirational teaching.

September 29, 2017

A young Diane Ellis, at 21, playing saxophone with her mentor and Uncle Jimmy Ellis at Jazz in the Alley, a south side Chicago Jazz tradition.