Ellie Karlsen, 20, sews a strap for a handmade purse at the Woodstock Market and Show on Aug. 5. Karlsen was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1, NF1, at an early age and was scheduled to have surgery after full facial growth in 2008. In March 2010, the Karlsen’s insurance company denied the procedure three weeks before the scheduled surgery. The Karlsens created Ellie and Jan Handi-crafts, selling specialty and handmade items. All sales and direct donations contribute to the more than $30,000 necessary for corrective surgery. (Photo / Jon-Michael Sullivan, jsullivan@mdjonline.com)
I’ve spent the past couple of days working on a story about Ellie and her family’s attempt to raise money for her surgery.
