Ellena is Mum to Blair, who was stillborn at 36 weeks in 2019. Blair was Ellena's first child with her husband Adam after experiencing a miscarriage two years prior. Ellena noticed a reduction in movement the night before her obstetrician appointment but didn't realise the importance of immediately presenting to hospital due to a lack of information and understanding of potentially significant outcomes. It was confirmed at that appointment that Blair had no heartbeat. Blair died as a result of two blood clots in the placenta, though tests following have shown no reason for this to occur. Ellena has a permanent memory of going straight to the bookcase when arriving home from hospital after Blair's birth, to check how many references to stillbirth there were in her pregnancy books and information packs - only to find one sentence. It was this motivation that led to her discover Still Aware and its resources to inform pregnant women and their families about stillbirth prevention in a supportive but real way.
Using her background in media, communications and event management, she has since been resolved to raise raising awareness about stillbirth prevention and bereaved family support in Australia. Ellena's career as a journalist and communications professional within government spans 20 years in both Tasmania and the ACT. She has shared Blair, her subsequent IVF journey and grief on social media in an raw and open way with helpful information for family, friends and the wider community. Her focus has always been to celebrate and acknowledge Blair in a meaningful and inclusive way, which recently led her to start a baking business to support other bereaved families looking for ways to celebrate their baby's birthdays and remember them during special holidays.