Ellie’s Light: The Elina Lynn Werner Foundation

04/03/2026

Tomorrow is Good Friday and we will be delivering our first round of Ellie’s Light support boxes to the NICU at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's in Morgantown.

These boxes will be given to families in the NICU during one of the hardest moments imaginable, the loss of their child.

Each box was created with love, prayer, and intention. Inside, families will find items meant to bring comfort, faith, and support during their grief:

Crochet Flower Bouquet: a lasting symbol of their child’s life.
Blessed Baby Rosary & Holy Water: reminders to lean on faith.
Forget-Me-Not Flower Seeds: a way to honor and remember their baby.
Devotional Journal & "Cradled in Hope" Book – readings of encouragement through grief.
Pocket Teddy Bear: something to hold onto in difficult moments.
Scripture Cards: words of peace and strength.
Self-Care Items: a reminder to care for themselves too.

This is why Ellie’s Light exists... To support families coping with infant loss. To help them find faith during their grief. To remind them they are not alone.

Ellie’s life continues to make an impact, and tomorrow is just the beginning.

Thank you to everyone who has supported, donated, and prayed for this mission.

03/13/2026

We are grateful to introduce the Founding Board of Directors, whose leadership, compassion, and dedication will help guide this mission and support families during their grief.

Mason Werner: President & Co-Founder

Mason is an educator and coach at Wheeling Park High School and West Liberty University. He has also served youth in the Ohio Valley through his work with St. John’s Home for Children. Mason is passionate about mentorship, leadership, and building programs that strengthen families and their relationships with Christ.

Kristen Werner: Vice President & Co-Founder

Kristen is a dental hygienist and former staff member at Newbridge Academy for Kids. Babies and young children have always held a special place in her heart. When her water broke at just 19 weeks pregnant, she and Mason began fighting for Ellie’s life. Their journey through the NICU and the loss of their daughter led them to create Ellie’s Light so they could turn their pain into purpose and help other families walking through grief.

Kayla Waialae: Secretary

Kayla serves as Graduate Services Coordinator in the Office of the Provost for Graduate Studies at West Liberty University. She brings strong organizational leadership, administrative experience, and a deep commitment to service to the foundation.

Nicholas Militzer: Treasurer

Nick works at PNC Bank and also serves as a football coach in the community. With degrees in Business and Sports Management, he provides financial oversight and leadership to help ensure the foundation operates responsibly and sustainably.

Pastor Myron Jellison: Director of Faith & Family Support

Pastor Myron serves as the Next Generation Pastor at Newbridge Church. Through his ministry and leadership, he has spent years helping individuals and families grow in faith and navigate moments of grief, hardship, and healing.

Jennifer “Jenny” DeMuth Imer: Director of Events & Fundraising

Jenny is the Booster President at Wheeling Central Catholic High School and Youth Director at St. Michael Parish School. She has extensive experience organizing and leading fundraising events and bringing the community together to support meaningful causes.

We are incredibly thankful for each of these individuals who have stepped forward to be part of this mission. Together, we hope to honor Ellie’s bright light and support families walking through grief with compassion, faith, and love.

02/28/2026

Such a great night. Thank you to all who attended and donated!

Who doesn’t love a great athletic matchup in support of a fantastic cause! Please consider attending the game on 2/23 at 6:30pm to watch WP (Senior Night) take on CC with all proceeds directed to the Ellie’s Light Foundation ❤️🏒💙