Mini candles lit in a dark background.

Brooke Ellison, a remarkable disability rights advocate, recently passed away at the age of 45 in Stony Brook, New York. At 11 years old, Ms. Ellison was hit by a car leaving her paralyzed from the neck down. She became the first quadriplegic graduate from Harvard University and dedicated her life to advocating for stem cell research and bioethics. Ms. Ellison graduated with top honors from Harvard University, earning a degree in cognitive neuroscience. She continued with a master's degree in public policy and a doctorate in political psychology from Stony Brook University.

Her memoir, "Miracles Happen," showed her own life journey and inspired a film directed by Christopher Reeve. Ms. Ellison used her platform to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and promote inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects of society. Ms. Ellison's campaigned for legislative reforms aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and championed initiatives to expand access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. She used her platform to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and promote inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

To view The New York Times article celebrating Brooke Ellison