Ellen Salter’s passion for Jesus, life, and family has been lived out in a dramatic way beyond the imaginations of most of us. Her beloved 18-year old daughter Meghan was not expected to live past 6 months but is now completely dependent on others; unable to eat, speak, move, or even breathe on her own. Although born healthy, within months her health began to decline and has defied diagnosis—it’s a mystery to doctors. Meghan is cared for at home and has been on life support since she was an infant.
While others look on in wonder and some question the value of Meghan’s life, Ellen reveals what a gift the handicapped, weak, and vulnerable are to us. She transfixes audiences by sharing God’s revelation to her before Meghan was even born and how joining the difficulties to the cross of Christ has brought their family comfort and joy.
The story of Meghan’s life has been captured in an Emmy award-winning documentary. The entire family testifies to the love and holiness Meghan’s disability has brought to many. They respond to prayer requests from around the world with many answers that have been reported.
Ellen has spoken to a wide range of audiences including pro-life conferences, Legatus Chapter dinners, Catholic medical conferences, marriage conferences, as well Catholic parishes, colleges, high schools, middle schools and elementary schools, on radio programs, and was featured on Fox News. She has been recognized by many organizations. Her awards include the Right to Life of Michigan’s Life Achievement Award and the Mother of the Year Award from Right to Life-Lifespan. Their family has received the Family of the Year Award from the Knights of Columbus in Dearborn, Michigan and the Patron of Life Award from Mary’s Mantle; a Michigan residence for pregnant, homeless women.
Ellen has a degree in criminal justice, is a life-long Catholic, and a parishioner of Divine Child Catholic Church in Dearborn, Michigan.
Speaking Topics:
Why The Vulnerable Have Value and How to Defend Them
Catholic Teachings on Life-Support, End of Life Issues, and the Gift of Life
The Beauty of Redemptive Suffering: Entering into the Heart of Christ
Finding Peace and Joy in the Midst of Suffering
The Miracle of Meghan: A Medical Mystery of a Beautiful Soul
Encountering Christ through Unconditional Love and Surrender
Speaking Without Words: How Meghan Brings Souls to Christ without a Single Word
The Gift of Every Life from Conception to Natural Death: Speaking Out Against Euthanasia and Infanticide
What People are Saying About Ellen:
" Ellen lives the prolife message in a powerful way. Her journey will touch your heart. She inspires even the most lapsed believer and motivates people to put their pro-life beliefs into action." - Teresa Tomeo
"I have personally witnessed Ellen’s firsthand dedication to her precious daughter whose life was threatened by physicians who recommended ending her treatment. Her witness is one that you will not soon forget—a story of never giving up hope and why caring for our most medically vulnerable is one of our Lord’s greatest gifts." - Bobby Schindler
"It has been a joy to know Ellen Salter and her family for more than 20 years now. In my entire life as a priest, I have rarely come across a woman with such a combination of strength, passion, gentleness and kindness. She is a true disciple of Jesus, and a passionate and compassionate voice for the sanctity of all human life. Her story of what God has done in and through all of her children, but especially through her dear daughter, Meghan, is one that needs to be heard!" - Father John Riccardo