Ellen Audet
Ellen is a nursing instructor and drives from Gainesville to Ocala every day to teach at Rasmussen College. She has somehow found a way to balance her roles as mother, wife, nurse instructor, community volunteer and friend to many. Ellen’s daughter, Ashley has cystic fibrosis. Ashley became critically ill last year and was placed on the national transplant registry. Within a short period of time she received the gift of a double lung transplant. Since the transplant, Ellen’s need for support has increased greatly. She has been at Ashley’s side for the numerous hospitalizations, treatments, and medical crises.
How does it feel to have people lend a hand this way, and is there anything you'd like to say to Mini Maid and the woman who nominated you (Jean Wood)?
Thank yous don’t do my feeling justice. I have always been the one to give to others and I feel my investments in others paid off. Jean Wood has been a dear friend and supported me throughout many of my recent struggles like grad school, career changes, and my daughter's health issues. I cannot thank the Mini Maid crew and Carol enough for their generosity and giving me a weekend to just play. We went to the movies with our daughter and her new lungs. The generosity of others has given us our daughter back.
Verna Williams
Verna was employed by North Florida Regional Medical Center for nearly 30 years until she had a seizure on the job. After being admitted to the hospital, she was diagnosed with renal failure and had to begin dialysis. During her hospital stay, she also learned that her right kidney needed to be removed immediately as it had a cancerous tumor on it. Shortly after, she had another procedure to get a pacemaker. Remarkably, she is now home but must self-administer her own dialysis treatments three times per day. She has maintained a great spirit and her normal drive and determination through it all in order to enjoy time with her children and especially grandchildren.
Raven (Ms. Williams' daughter), how does it feel to have people lend a hand this way?
It feels great. My mom really does appreciate the help.
Is there anything you’d like to say to Mini Maid?
Thank you so much!
Smith Family
Drew Smith made an incredible walk across the stage to receive his diploma from Buchholz high school in early June. This feat occurred after just being in the hospital for several weeks getting treatments to fight the aggressive leukemia that has attacked his body. The family is very encouraged that he will be receiving a bone marrow transplant in late June. This will require a 5-6 week hospital stay. Drew has touched many lives with his work as a youth group leader at Queen of Peace. Drew’s younger sister has Downs’ Syndrome so parents, Alma and Steve, are working extra hard to juggle their jobs and the care of their children.
More information about the Smith family will be posted after their cleaning day.
