For the Siders family, Christmas trees are more than decorations; they’re symbols of hope, survival and togetherness. This holiday season, that meaning came full circle as Ella Siders, a young leukemia survivor, helped light the tree at Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s 10th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Reimagined this year as a whimsical “French Noël,” the event partnered with Lurie Children’s Hospital to celebrate resilience, generosity and the magic of being together. Inspired by Parisian holiday markets, the event filled the hotel courtyard with twinkling lights, live entertainment, seasonal treats and a magical snowfall moment during the tree lighting.
For Ella and her family, it’s not just the start of the holidays, it’s a powerful reminder of how far they’ve come and how brightly the future shines.
Ella’s story: Beating the odds
When Ella was just 14 months old, her family received news no parent is ever prepared to hear: she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of acute myeloid leukemia. After three rounds of chemotherapy, Ella underwent a stem cell transplant on Feb. 18, 2020, thanks to an unrelated donor, now lovingly known as Cody Fuller, her genetic twin and lifelong buddy.
Despite having a 93% chance of relapse, Ella defied every expectation. Today, she is the longest-known survivor of her leukemia subtype. She’s also a laughing, dancing, joy-filled reminder of what hope can look like on the other side of the unimaginable.
A Christmas that changed everything
Christmas of 2019 remains the hardest season the Siders family has ever faced. Ella was gravely ill, and the holidays were spent inside a hospital room, separated from her siblings, William and Lily.
“In mid-January, we were finally able to come home for just a few days, and we made the most of it — celebrating a “Christmas do-over” all together before heading back to the hospital for her third round of treatment a few days later,” said Ella’s mom, Christina Siders.
“One of our few happy memories from that year was putting up a small tree in Ella’s hospital room together with William and Lily,” Christina shared. Decorated with paper chains and homemade ornaments, it became a symbol of warmth and normalcy during nearly 200 nights spent in care.
Lighting the tree and the way forward
This year’s Waldorf Astoria tree lighting carries special meaning. Ella and her family were invited to participate as part of the Children’s Miracle Network, where they serve as a patient champion family. It’s an honor that reflects not only Ella’s journey, but the lives she continues to inspire.
“Watching her and her siblings help light the tree will signify our hope for long term health and many Christmases to come,” Christina said.
Each year, the family also coordinates a donation program for Lurie Children’s Hospital’s 17th floor, delivering small pre-lit trees, holiday lights and gift cards to bring comfort to families spending the season in care.
The impact of Lurie Children’s Hospital
Lurie Children’s Hospital is woven into every part of Ella’s story. “Lurie saved Ella’s life on multiple occasions, in multiple ways,” her mom said. The doctors and nurses became family, and those relationships continued even after Ella’s treatment ended.
“The impact Lurie has made on our family is impossible to describe. They saved our daughter, and in doing so, they saved our entire family.”
A message of hope for the holidays
During the darkest moments of Ella’s treatment, one thought carried her family forward: Next year will be better.
“I wasn’t sure I fully believed it at the time,” Christina shared, “but holding onto that thought gave me hope.” Today, Ella’s story stands as proof that even the hardest seasons can eventually become part of the past — and that Christmas doesn’t need to happen on a specific date to be meaningful.
As the holidays approach, the Siders family is filled with gratitude and more than a few tears of relief. Their hope is simple: that Ella’s journey reminds others that sometimes, the only way out is through, and that joy can return in ways you never expect.
