Magic Moments: The Ellis Family

Reggie Ellis is a single dad, just a normal guy raising his family. He’d do anything for 13-year-old Jaxon, 10-year-old Madox, and 6-year-old Lexah. He shares parenting time with their mom, but tries to be present for the kids always — he’s an active presence in their school, sports, and activities. That’s been harder to do as of late, as cancer keeps getting in the way. Reggie was diagnosed with kidney cancer in July 2021 and has been running on one kidney since one was removed in September. That means he’s been on medical leave since September — dialysis three times a week takes a ton of time and really takes it out of him. The treatment will continue until Reggie is able to get a transplant. Thankfully, a donor match has already been found for Reggie; he just needs to wait it out, as the transplant will take place after he’s been cancer-free for three years.

No time for cancer

As much as possible, Reggie tries to schedule his cancer around his life, especially when it comes to his kids. He helped coach his son’s Lincoln Youth Football team and continues to take the kiddos to practice and games. He schedules his dialysis during school hours so he can still take care of school drop-off and pickup. Travel time is catch-up time with his kids, and he’s not going to miss it. And there’s walks around the neighborhood, basketball at their house, and so much quality time.

Reggie has other things he can’t miss, too, like volunteering for the Center for People in Need and other organizations where folks might need support and a smile (he seems to have an endless supply). Strength and positivity are contagious, so he tries to spread it around — something his kids have picked up from him, too, and he’s so proud of them. There are people depending on him, and cancer really can’t get in the way.

Projecting positivity

Mary Smith, a former co-worker, nominated Reggie and his family. They’ve stayed in touch throughout the years, and she felt her nomination was a small gesture for a guy who gives big. Reggie endlessly projects positivity (it’s even one of his Gallup strengths) and has done so much for countless others, young and old, that now is the time for him to feel some love and support right back. UBT and the Magic Moments team couldn’t agree more.

Reggie enjoys coaching and watching football, cooking, working out, and being out in the community, especially if he’s with his kiddos. Being together is what truly brings out the best in this crew. Family is everything, and they love to be outside playing sports or just being together, living life.

A new TV will provide this family with endless entertainment, sports-related and otherwise, and Husker football and basketball tickets will provide in-person entertainment for these sports fans. Because of our amazing partners and generous merchants, that’s just the beginning. The family will be enjoying memberships to the Lincoln Children's Zoo and Lincoln Children's Museum. U‑Stop and Super C supplied gift cards so gas costs won’t be an issue. Thanks to a generous donation from Scheels, the family will be enjoying sports and outdoor fun while sporting their favorite gear. Gift baskets and gift cards from Scoops, Toys from the Past, Raising Cane's, and Urban Air will provide both tasty treats and good fun.

Reggie the chef received an air fryer, along with some comfy clothing for chemo and a HidrateSpark™ Bluetooth water bottle. Jaxon and Madox, in addition to their basketball rebounding net and NFL equipment, received some KC Chiefs/Patrick Mahomes clothing and some cologne. Lexah has a new hover board, LOL dolls and clubhouse, and Polly Pockets. All three kids received some much-needed clothes to keep them toasty and warm.

Speaking of warm, that’s the kind of holiday season UBT wishes for the Ellis Family — warm and wonderful. Happy holidays, Ellis family!

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