Ellen Susan Bromberg Skolnick

As the oldest of Marilyn and Sheldon Bromberg’s five children, Ellen Susan Bromberg
Skolnick always knew the importance of family. She never thought one of her family
members would save her life. In 2000, the Albuquerque, New Mexico native received
one of the greatest gifts of all, the gift of life, when her younger brother generously
gave her a kidney.

After graduating from the University of Denver, she moved to Manhattan and become
a clothing buyer for several buying offices. She met and married a wonderful man,
Robert Skolnick. They became the proud parents of Rebecca.

In 1986, Ellen’s life changed completely. After Rebecca was born, Ellen was diagnosed
with the connective tissue disease, Diffuse Scleroderma. This disease would quickly
damage her organs and, as it did, Ellen became more and more debilitated. Unfortunately,
Scleroderma was only the tip of the iceberg. The disease also brought with it several
co-morbidities, including End Stage Renal Disease.

Ellen began kidney dialysis on her daughter’s third birthday. Dialysis continued each
week, three times a week, for four years. Soon after, Ellen began counseling patients
confronting the realities of Scleroderma, dialysis and the possibilities of a transplant.

On November 18, 1992, Ellen’s life changed once again--the doctors at Mount
Sinai had a kidney for her! During the next seven-and-a-half years Ellen lived life to its
fullest by traveling; becoming a volunteer teacher and librarian at Rebecca’s school;
volunteering for various charities; and, most importantly, enjoying her family.

Eight years later, Ellen’s transplant failed and she had to go back on dialysis. Four
months later Ellen’s younger brother, David Bromberg, gave her his kidney. This
special gift has enabled Ellen to participate in family events, kidney walks and activities
for organizations dedicated to helping those with and at risk for kidney disease.

For the past 25 years, she has been blessed with the best medical care in the
world from Dr. Barbara Murphy, along with the many other physicians, nurses and
professionals. Most importantly, she has been fortunate to have the enormous love
and support of her family and friends. They inspired her to maintain her sense of
humor and determination through this life changing journey.