Elliana Vargas

Last Friday, March 31st, 2023, Elliana Vargas passed away peacefully at home in her parent’s arms. She braved a rare terminal illness and fought alongside her loving parents to live comfortably and happily. Ellie’s parents, Cristina and Zach, now face the impossible task of saying goodbye and laying their baby to rest. Ellie’s life will be celebrated at a private gathering on April 16th. We are collecting donations to help pay for Ellie’s burial and help Zach and Cristina navigate these difficult next steps.

After Ellie’s diagnosis, Cristina and Zach, along with Ellie’s extensive medical team, began a difficult journey with the goal of providing Ellie with the happiest, most comfortable life possible. Ellie met every challenge with grace and demonstrated amazing adaptability and resilience. She was expressive, silly, and had an incredible sense of humor. She loved music, especially Moana and Led Zeppelin, and played her instruments regularly, sometimes right on beat! She loved to blow kisses and always made sure to share them with everyone around her. She loved to make silly faces and wiggle her nose to make you laugh. She loved to pet her dog Lucy and snuggle with her on the giant bean bag in front of the fireplace. Ellie was not only sweet, she was sassy too. She often had the loudest voice in the room! She had the most expressive eyes and you knew exactly what she was thinking with just one fierce look! She had the heart of a lion and could be heard practicing her roar in the last few weeks of her life.

Ellie’s happy life could not have been possible without the keen observations and unyielding advocacy of her parents. For twenty months, Zach and Cristina did not rest and they seldom left her side. They were constantly assessing, adjusting, creating, playing, and learning. They adapted toys, car seats, high chairs, schedules, sleds, and swings so that she could have a full life. They found solutions where there seemed to be none. They captured happiness every day and are proud to have seized each moment they had with their beautiful, brave Elliana.

Thank you for taking a little time to read about Ellie. If you had the chance to meet her, you know the world has lost a bright light, and an infectious energy.

We are grateful for your love and support for this family.