From Minnesota to Kansas and all the way to Colorado, one St. Paul woman's recovery is impacting a lot of people as she continues to improve following a brain injury she sustained on a ski trip.
Cretin-Derham Hall graduate Ellie Cizek was injured in January when she hit a padded pole in Winter Park, Colo.
"We call her the rock of our family," said her brother, Zach. "Her middle name is Joy, and she has more friends than anyone I know."
Zach Cizek told FOX 9 News the support his sister has received across several states shows she made an impact on more people than he could have ever imagined.
"The support Eleanor has in incredible and just goes to show the positive energy she has given to other people," he said. "It's all coming back to support her."
The Kansas University sophomore spent a week in a coma, but after three weeks in the hospital, she is now in a Denver rehabilitation facility.
"I was ecstatic. My family -- ecstatic," Zach Cizek told FOX 9 News. "We're just very excited she is out and fighting and working very hard to come out in a positive way."
The Cizeks say they are amazed at the support they've received, especially from the sorority sisters at Kappa Kappa Gamma who began selling bracelets to raise money to help pay for the costs of recovery.
"She obviously had such a big impact on everyone in our house, and it's unbelievable to see the impact she made on the rest of the community," sorority sister Lea Lytle told FOX 9 News by phone.
Lytle created #CizekStrong, which has helped spread the world -- especially since it started trending.
While the Cizeks know the road to recovery is a long one, they say Ellie's positive attitude helps them know she will stay strong throughout the journey.
"We are very proud of her, and every day she just amazes us and achieves something new," Zach Cizek said.
Saturday, May 18 2013 8:06 AM EDT2013-05-18 12:06:18 GMT
Two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield, Conn., in between the Fairfield and Bridgeport stations. At least 60 people have been hurt, the governor said.
Two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield, Conn., in between the Fairfield and Bridgeport stations. At least 60 people have been hurt, the governor said.
Saturday, May 18 2013 7:49 AM EDT2013-05-18 11:49:20 GMT
An airline official says a US Airways flight with 34 people aboard was forced to make a belly landing at Newark International Airport after experiencing landing gear trouble. No injuries were reported.
An airline official says a US Airways flight with 34 people aboard was forced to make a belly landing at Newark International Airport after experiencing landing gear trouble. No injuries were reported.
Friday, May 17 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:12:56 GMT
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:53:52 GMT
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has approved the master plan for the American Dream megamall in the Meadowlands sports complex. The approval at Friday's special board meeting means the
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has approved the master plan for the American Dream megamall in the Meadowlands sports complex. The approval at Friday's special board meeting means the
Friday, May 17 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:28:27 GMT
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:54 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:54:45 GMT
The big game will be played in New Jersey but the big party will be in New York City. Organizers call it "Super Bowl Boulevard."
The big game will be played in New Jersey but the big party will be in New York City. Organizers call it "Super Bowl Boulevard": it will stretch from 44th Street on Broadway all the way to 34th Street.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:03 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:03:04 GMT
A 21-year-old Hofstra University student was shot and killed during an apparent home-invasion robbery in Uniondale, Long Island. The suspect also died in the incident.
A 21-year-old Hofstra University student was shot and killed during an apparent home-invasion robbery in Uniondale, Long Island. The suspect also died in the incident.
Friday, May 17 2013 4:17 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:17:46 GMT
A Humvee carrying six Navy SEALs and two other sailors overturned during a training exercise at Fort Knox in Kentucky, killing one of the SEALs and injuring the others, military officials said Friday.
A Humvee carrying six Navy SEALs and two other sailors overturned during a training exercise at Fort Knox in Kentucky, killing one of the SEALs and injuring the others, military officials said Friday.
