Shakopee teen works to brighten the holidays for patients at Children’s Minnesota

Ellie Runchey, 14, is hoping to brighten the holidays for patients who are in the hospital on Christmas.

Her effort has become known as "Ellie’s Elves." It includes 90 gift bags, thousands of dollars in donations, and homemade cards created for four floors worth of patients at Children’s Minnesota in Minneapolis.

"I always think how I would feel if I was in that position, and I have been," she said.

Ellie would know. She was diagnosed with brain cancer in April of 2020 and has spent a lot of time at hospitals.

"It was really tough. It’s kind of sad, especially during COVID because there are no visitors," Ellie said.

After 30 radiation treatments and months of chemo, Ellie’s latest scan showed no visible signs of cancer.

And clearly… her heart is stronger than ever.

"Making people happy and seeing a smile on their face puts a smile on my face," she said.

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