wanted to let people know....

[sk82thefuture]

I have some really sad news...
The top scorer in Juvenile for Upper Great Lakes Ellie Schaap has been diagnosed with a Brain Aneurysm. She JUST turned 11 at the end of September. Her doctors don't want her to compete at regionals for fear of it bursting. She will be having Surgery a few days after regionals. It is a Very rare form of a Brain Aneurysm located in the Brain Stem. She has had a really sucsessful year this year (and last year 1st alternate to JN's) and is really sad that she can't compete. She has skated in Cancer benfits in Illinois the last 2 years. She skated in A Evening of Hope last year which she was invited to skate in by Evan Lysacek and his mother. She did a duet with him to "a prayer". Ellie is a [b]wonderful [/b]little girl with a big heart and I want to wish the best of LUCK and a SPEEDY recovery. I know many people will be thinking of Ellie and praying for the Schaap family.

[dblaxluv]

Hopefully we will all keep Elli in our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.

[Annsky]

We pray for a speedy recovery and many wonderful skating seasons ahead for her - Sending good thoughts ad prayers...

[Charlenefiguresk8r]

Ohhhh! Ellie is such a delight to watch! I am very saddened by the news she will not be able to compete this season... My Uncle has been diagnosed with a brain tumor as well and will be having surgery within a week or so. I will keep my prayers close to both my uncle and Ellie! I wish her the best and hope she comes out a stronger person and skater through this trial in her life. WE LOVE YOU ELLIE!

[lovetowatch]

Is there any news on Ellie? She has been in our thoughts and prayers.

[sk82thefuture]

Hi, I have some fantastic news!!! I talked to Ellie's family...Ellie made it through her surgery and it went well. She is still recovering (getting some headaches) and such. Her doctors have just cleared her to skate again. So last week she went a few times and was back out there doing what she Loves!! Her training will be slow going which is understandable considering what she had to go thru. She was off the ice for about 4.5 months and sounds like she was really happy to be out there agian. I know she wants to skate Intermediate this year. I know I am looking forward to seeing her on the ice again. Here's to a GREAT Season and continued health! Ellie Keep being strong you're amazing!! So many people have been thinking and praying for you!

[rpmskate]

Such great news to hear!