About Kristen
Kristen Marie (Brown) Ellington was born and raised in Southeastern Connecticut.
On May 11, 1996, Kristen married her best friend and the love of her life, Russ Ellington. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on love, laughter, and family. As devoted parents to Casey and Riley, Kristen created a home where everyone felt welcomed, supported, and deeply loved.
Kristen had a rare gift—she made people feel seen. Whether you were family, a lifelong friend, or someone she had just met, she welcomed you with a genuine smile and an open heart. She was the kind of person who made the world feel brighter simply by being in it.
A Difficult Diagnosis
On August 1, 2025, Kristen was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). She faced her diagnosis the same way she faced everything in life—with strength, courage, and unwavering positivity. Through intense chemotherapy, she fought her way into remission and looked ahead to a stem cell transplant with hope and determination. Tragically, she developed complications from an infection and passed away on November 14, 2025.
Even in her most difficult moments, Kristen never stopped being a source of light. Her strength inspired everyone who followed her journey. She showed us what it means to fight with grace, to hold onto hope, and to keep smiling even in the face of unimaginable challenges.
The Overwhelming Reality
Our family experienced firsthand the overwhelming reality of battling AML—the emotional strain, the financial burden, and the physical and logistical challenges that come with treatment. We were incredibly blessed to be surrounded by a community of family and friends that lifted us up, supported us, and stood by Kristen every step of the way.
It is because of that experience, and because of who Kristen was, that we have created the Kristen M. Ellington Foundation.
Kristen's Legacy
The Foundation’s mission is simple, but deeply meaningful: to support families navigating the difficult journey of AML. We strive to ease the burdens they face—whether financial, emotional, or practical—so they can focus on what matters most: their loved one.
This foundation is more than an organization. It is Kristen’s legacy in action. It is her kindness, her generosity, and her instinct to help others carried forward. Kristen never hesitated to show up for someone in need, and through this work, neither will we.
By helping others fight the way Kristen fought, we honor her life, her spirit, and the love she gave so freely. And in doing so, we ensure that her light continues to shine in the lives of so many others.