be the light!

teen author,
Rare Disease Advocate, speaker

Spreading a message of hope to anyone with a rare or chronic disease

what started as one book became a mission. After being diagnosed with a rare neuroimmune disease at age nine, Nell wrote My hospital story to help other kids feels less alone during long hospital stays. Today, the book is used in hospitals, medical training programs, and patient support gropus across the country. 

Now, Nell is expanding the project to reach even more children. She's working to distribute books to hospitals nationwide, create a companion workbook for young patients navigating chronic illness, and continue advocating for policies that improve care and research for rare pediatric disease. 

Because no kid facing a rare diagnosis should feel invisible. And every story has the power to change the future.

My Hospital Story,
Rare Voice Initiative

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I’m a teen author who loves cats, reading and baking-- especially macarons-- and get messy with arts and crafts. 

At the age of nine, I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease and was in the hospital for a month.

Living with this disease has brought on many challenges, but also many gifts, including my first book, My Hospital Story, where I share my experience during my month-long hospital stay in the ICU. 

Besides writing, I love to...

writer, Artist, baker, cat lover and more!  

I'm Nell!

When I was nine years old,
a mysterious illness turned my life upside down… 

I was in the ICU for about a month!
I share my story in my book,
My Hospital Story.

Throughout my journey, I discover angels, or
people who light the way during times of 
darkness, and realize that their compassion 
can be the source of true healing.


Have you ever felt like your life turned upside down and everything suddenly changed? 

my Book

Get a copy >

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“Hospitals deliver the best care when we put patients and families at the center of every decision. This account from Nell provides a unique perspective about the experience of a 12-year-old from diagnosis through a challenging treatment. Nell's story is a reminder to us all about the importance of slowing down, explaining what's happening to the patient, and doing all we can to make a patient's experience in the hospital a comforting one."


— Dr. Kurt Newman,
 

- Dr. Kurt Newman

Book Review

President and CEO Children's National Hospital

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