Saving Ellen

In "Saving Ellen," Maura Casey recounts her coming-of-age journey as part of a large, working-class Irish family grappling with the chaos that follows her sister Ellen's terminal kidney disease. Set against the backdrop of 1960s and 70s Buffalo, the memoir highlights familial struggles, including financial hardships and her father’s alcoholism, while showcasing her mother's fierce determination to secure Ellen's future through a groundbreaking kidney donation. Through themes of resilience, humor, and the complexities of caregiving, Casey's story resonates with anyone who has navigated the challenges of caring for a chronically ill loved one. The narrative invites listeners to reflect on the delicate balance of madness and grace that often defines family life.