Meet Ellen

Meet Ellen who dreams of becoming an independent artist

Hi, my name is Ellen, and  I am a transfer student currently in the Animation program at Cal State Long Beach. It has been quite a ride getting to where I am today.

Back in early high school, I was a normal teen with a goofy braces-filled smile, but behind the curtain I felt and heard my jaw starting to crunch and crackle. I was essentially told not to worry about it, and then my braces were taken off. My teeth were straight and perfect, but my jaw began locking up at random.

Six years after this, I was in severe chronic pain, decreasing quality of life, constant migraines, and other symptoms that still are not understood. My surgeon and I decided that it is time to start the lengthy journey of joint replacement surgery.

That is when The Orion Fund came in. When I got a call from someone from the Orion Fund, I was so relieved and anxious at the same time! Thanks to The Orion Fund, I will have less financial strain to carry while I continue to pursue my degree and prepare for surgery, and I will finally get my shiny new joints! 

I may have had a rough start to my young adult life, but I am so grateful and lucky for the support I have been given.