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8 | InTouch WINTER 2023 I found a new home in my career GRIEF SEEPS INTO EVERY ASPECT OF ONE’S LIFE, BUT ELLA REFUSED TO BE CONSUMED BY IT After the sudden passing of her father, Ella’s grief took her on a different path to finding her passion. FEATURE I was diagnosed with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy at four years old. The condition affects most muscles that are used for movement and as we all know, muscular dystrophy is a progressive disease, and we all have different experiences with it. From the ages four to fifteen, I was a strong healthy kid, of course it was evident that I struggled physically however it never really felt like a struggle for me. It was not until I hit my late teens that I experienced a massive loss in my physical ability and now at 20 years old, I struggle to walk long distances and depending on how tired I am, I can also be unsteady on my feet. I also struggle with simple daily tasks like brushing my hair and carrying Above: Ella with her Dad, Dave, and sister Hannah. Right: Ella’s first real estate headshot!