Elissa Hanneman

Elissa’s Endeavors Against Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Elissa Hanneman is a wife to Chad, mom of 2 teenagers (Joel and Tia), sister, daughter, niece and friend who has battled a chronic illness—Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)-Vascular Type—for the majority of her life. Elissa grew up facing dislocations, various injuries and the need for frequent stitches, all due to her connective tissues malfunctioning. Diagnosed at age 8, Elissa has had to live life a bit differently. At the age of 23, Elissa’s colon ruptured when she was 28 weeks pregnant, requiring the delivery of a very premature son. Elissa then fought for her life, spending weeks in a coma, recovering from devastating complications.

Since 2002, Elissa has had chronic issues with her digestive system. Frequent hospitalizations became normal, dealing with blockages and ileuses. Elissa has had many other EDS related complications over the years, with various body systems. In January 2019, Elissa went into the hospital again, finding she had another bowel blockage. After meeting a new surgeon, Elissa was given hope that her digestive system could be repaired through a surgery, which would hopefully help her to live without further difficulties. On March 4, 2019, Elissa had the surgery, which seemingly went well…for just under a week. At that point, a rollercoaster ride started, with many ups and downs, as well as the need for countless additional surgeries and procedures, along with frequent ICU stays. Elissa has been discharged a few times from the hospital to either go home or to a rehabilitation center, but has ended up back in the hospital after a few days. Nearing the one year anniversary of her surgery, Elissa remains admitted. When doctors in Colorado had exhausted all options, Elissa was presented with the possibility of traveling to Omaha, Nebraska, to see if she qualified for a full bowel and liver transplant. Though the process will be challenging and long (needing to stay in Nebraska for 3-6 months after transplant), Elissa and Chad have decided this will be their next adventure.

Elissa has battled her illness with the support of family and friends, but the trip to Nebraska will be extremely trying. After co-pays and insurance deductibles are paid, the funds will be utilized towards housing costs and caregiver funding to have someone stay with Elissa while she is so far away from home.

To help with the financial burden of Elissa’s expenses, a fundraising campaign in her honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 36 years. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the Midwest/West Transplant Fund and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider a contribution.

For credit card contributions, please select the “GIVE” button on this page or call 800.642.8399.

Or:

Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo section:
In honor of Elissa Hanneman

Please send to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087

Thank you for your prayers, support, and generosity. Keep an eye on this campaign page because we will be planning some fundraising events soon and posting updates regularly.

Gratefully,
Kyla Bernstein, Elissa’s sister