Some people shine so brightly that their light continues to beam long after they've left us. Ellie Helm was one of those people. The first thing you noticed about Ellie was her radiant smile; her presence brought warmth to those around her, and her loving heart impacted everyone she met. Ellie was a compassionate young woman with the rare ability to connect with anyone. Though her life was tragically cut short in 2017, Ellie's spirit lives on through the incredible gift of organ donation—a selfless act that has given others a second chance at life.

A Life Filled with Love and Laughter

From an early age, Ellie found joy in performing, channeling her energy into gymnastics, singing, dancing, and theater. At just six years old, she played Gretl in The Sound of Music, a role that showcased her talent and enthusiasm. "The practices were long, and she couldn't read well yet, but she was determined to memorize her lines and all the songs," shares her mother, Polly Helm. Ellie continued performing throughout her life, seizing every opportunity to be on stage. She also enjoyed attending theater productions, and after watching Les Misérables at the age of eight, she raved about it for weeks.

At home, Ellie filled everyday moments with laughter. Whether leading family dance parties in the kitchen or telling stories at the dinner table, she had a knack for making every interaction fun. She was also known for her ability to memorize the lyrics to nearly any song—including the rhythmic flow of rap music. "We had a tradition of sharing about our day at dinner. We joked that if Ellie went first, no one else would get a turn because she would take up the entire meal telling her stories."

Her compassion extended beyond her family and friends. As a senior in high school, Ellie earned her CNA license and began working at what was Scandia Village in Sister Bay, Wisconsin. Ellie formed deep bonds with the seniors she cared for. They cherished her visits and loved hearing about her college experiences. She had a soft spot for anyone facing hardship, always offering a listening ear and a comforting presence.

A Selfless Act of Generosity

Ellie and her sister had both decided to become organ donors when they received their driver's licenses. When the unimaginable happened, Ellie's family had no hesitation in honoring her wishes. Her choice to be an organ donor meant that, even in tragedy, she could bring hope and healing to others.

"Organ donation is an act of profound generosity," says Ellie's father, Don Helm. While losing Ellie was the most painful experience imaginable, knowing that she was able to give life to others has provided a sense of comfort to her family. "Her giving spirit lives on," says Don. "We encourage everyone to have a conversation with their loved ones about organ donation."

To those who may be on the fence regarding organ donation or have fears, Polly recommends that people do a little research. "We were able to see Ellie after her organ donation, and she looked perfect. You realize that our bodies are just vessels and that a person's true soul and spirit live on."

Polly continued, "It was a beautiful gift she was able to share. We are proud of her selfless act and hope it has brought light to many others."

Taking Ellie's Lead

The need for organ donors is urgent. More than 100,000 people across the U.S. are waiting for a lifesaving transplant, including approximately 1,500 individuals in Wisconsin alone. Despite widespread support for organ donation, only 56% of Americans are registered donors.

Organizations like Versiti are working to raise awareness and encourage people to join the donor registry. Adding the tiny orange dot to your driver's license or state ID can make a life-saving difference.

"We are all on this earth for a limited amount of time and don't know when that time will end. We should focus on sharing love and light while we are here and doing our best to make this world a better place," Polly emphasizes. "While Ellie is no longer with us on earth, we know she is in the best place, and through our faith, we know we will see her again."

To honor Ellie and all organ, tissue, and eye donors, Door County Medical Center will host the 2025 Donate Life Wisconsin Pause to Give Life Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, April 23rd, at 1 p.m. at the Sturgeon Bay Campus. Don and Polly Helm will share their story, and attendees are encouraged to wear blue and green to show support for organ donation. After the ceremony, guests can enjoy refreshments and conversation while learning to register as donors.

Ellie Helm's story is a testament to the power of generosity and love. By choosing to be an organ donor, you can ensure that your legacy, like Ellie's, is one of hope and life. Take a moment today to have the conversation, register as a donor, and make a difference.

A Legacy That Lives On: The Ellie Helm Foundation

Ellie's legacy extends beyond organ donation. In her honor, her family established The Ellie Helm Foundation, a fund dedicated to the causes she was most passionate about:

• Supporting educational opportunities and positive life skills development for youth
• Promoting awareness of depression and suicide prevention among young adults
• Bringing joy, meaningful connections, and social engagement to the elderly

Through this foundation, Ellie's light continues to shine, touching lives in meaningful ways as she always did. The Ellie Helm Foundation is a component fund of the Door County Community Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity. Hence, all contributions are deductible to the fullest extent as allowed by law.

Register today to become an organ, eye and tissue donor.