Ellen Jackson

Dear friends,

Most of you who are reading this already know that Ellen has been diagnosed with a severe heart condition which will need some advanced care over the next several weeks.  We set this website up so that we can keep everyone informed of her progress without sending out a million emails, and so you can check in at any time on the situation as it progresses. 

 In essence, the wall separating the two upper chambers of her heart is in large part missing, and has been missing for many years.  This has gone on with absolutely no symptoms whatsoever until a few weeks ago, when she developed a little cough.  One exam led to another, culminating in a recent visit to the hospital, where an advanced echocardiogram revealed the problem.  More tests will be immediately forthcoming to determine the best course of action at this point.  We are in contact with the cardiac center at University of Chicago, a world leader in heart care.

We are, of course, taking things one step and one day at a time, but I will be taking a brief hiatus from all duties until June 1, at which point we hope to be much better informed as to what the future holds.

We welcome your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes!  I know that Ellen is already on prayer chains, prayer lists, prayer wheels, prayer flags, and for all I know, prayer vigils.  We appreciate every thought, prayer, and intention!

Many thanks to each and every one of you for your friendship and support.  Feel free to visit this site at any time, and encourage others to do so as well.

Blessings to you all!

Ever yours,


Al, Pat, and Ellen