Ella's Day: A Family Carnival Event

The community is invited to open their hearts and join hands to celebrate Ella's Day from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at York High School's Field House.

Families will enjoy food, games, live music, raffles and silent auction, and much more.

On Aug. 12, Michael and Lindsay Casten, teachers at Lincoln Elementary School in Elmhurst, received the devastating news that their youngest daughter, Ella, had been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 2. SMA is a rare, genetic neuromuscular disease with no treatment or cure. It is the No. 1 genetic killer of children.

Ella will require a lifetime of specialized care from her parents, doctors, family and friends. Their hope lies in research currently under way to find treatments and a cure.

The Casten family’s future will include financial burdens that cannot be endured alone; in loving response, Ella’s Angels was born.

Ella’s Angels hopes that you will join us in supporting the Casten Family Fund-raiser. Through silent auction, big ticket raffle and Ella’s Giving tree, we anticipate a generous outpouring from the community.   

Your donation, whether a monetary gift or item, will be the backbone of the fund-raising efforts and will be recognized publicly at the event.

We graciously ask that you consider donating to help make a difference in the life of Ella Casten and her family. Please visit www.absolutedreams.org for more information.

Admission to the Feb. 18 event is free, but there are several ways to contribute. Two-player teams can sign up for the bags tournament for $40 per team for adults, $30 a team for high schoolers and $20 a team for middle schoolers. Wristbands also will be sold for kids for $20 apiece from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at Epiphany Lutheran, 314 S. Vallette; between 10 a.m. and noon Feb. 11 at Starbuck's, 164 N. York; from 2:30 to 5:30 Feb. 11 at Verlare Cleaners, 104 W. Vallette; and from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at Elmhurst Camera, 535 S. Spring.

Donations of any amount will be accepted. Checks can be made payable to Absolute Dreams and mailed to Cherice Nicosia at 735 S. Hawthorne, Elmhurst, IL 60126. Visit the Absolute Dreams website for more information.