Childhood Illness Survivor Becomes Medical Student, Returns to Hospital That Saved Her

Ella Kramer, who underwent two liver transplants and spent years as a patient at Schneider Children's Medical Center, is now a second-year medical student at Reichman University and will soon return to Schneider as a student.

Kramer was born with biliary atresia, a rare liver disease, and received her first liver transplant at age 10. She later required a second transplant from a child who died in a car accident. Despite numerous surgeries, hospitalizations, and health challenges, Kramer pursued her education, completing her matriculation exams while hospitalized. She has stated, "I want to live life to the fullest and not miss a single minute."

Her journey included periods of difficulty, including family changes and struggles integrating into a religious school system after her illness became apparent. She recalls being ostracized due to her jaundice. Despite these hardships, Kramer was inspired by the medical staff who cared for her, fueling her dream of becoming a doctor.

After her second transplant, Kramer faced the challenge of adjusting to life outside the hospital, eventually seeking psychological support. She shifted her academic focus from teaching to medicine, ultimately enrolling at Reichman University. Her goal is to specialize at Schneider, serving as an inspiration to other children facing similar medical battles.

Kramer recently married, and her wedding was attended by many who were part of her medical journey, including her doctors and the parents of the child who donated the liver for her second transplant. She expressed profound gratitude to the donor family, stating, "I owe them. I have a tremendous sense of gratitude. They gave me back my life."