Wentzville girl sells lemonade to afford stem cell treatment

Published: Friday, September 19, 2025 at 5:00 pm

Local Girl's Lemonade Stand Fuels Hope for Stem Cell Treatment

A young girl is capturing the hearts of her community with a simple act of kindness: selling pink lemonade. Twelve-year-old Ella Schafluetzel, facing medical challenges since birth, is raising funds for a potentially life-changing stem cell treatment at Duke University.

Ella, described by those who know her as kind and resilient, was born prematurely and diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia. Her family has been seeking options to improve her quality of life. The family initially banked cord blood from Ella's brother, hoping it would be a match for a sibling study. Unfortunately, the initial results were not promising.

However, the family's hope was rekindled when Duke University contacted them about a new opportunity within their database. After submitting the necessary forms, the family received the news they had been waiting for: a match for Ella.

The stem cell treatment, still in the study phase, is not covered by insurance, necessitating a fundraising effort. To help cover the costs of the treatment, including physical therapy and potential medical equipment, Ella and her family organized a pink lemonade stand. The community has rallied around Ella, with friends, family, and even local law enforcement supporting the cause.

Ella's optimism is infectious. She expresses gratitude for every donation, no matter the size, and is excited about the prospect of a new chapter in her life. The community's support is helping her get closer to her goal of gaining independence.

BNN's Perspective:

This story highlights the power of community and the unwavering hope of a family facing medical adversity. While the financial burden of experimental treatments can be significant, Ella's story demonstrates the importance of supporting research and providing opportunities for those in need. It also underscores the need for continued dialogue about healthcare access and the role of insurance in covering innovative treatments.

Keywords: stem cell treatment, fundraising, lemonade stand, Duke University, periventricular leukomalacia, medical expenses, community support, healthcare, Ella Schafluetzel, GoFundMe

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