Make-A-Wish releases children's book written by 16-year-old author who died from cancer

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Make-A-Wish hosted a celebration of life and book release for Ellena Vollmer, a 16-year-old who recently died of cancer.

Vollmer, who is from Elizabeth City, always dreamed of writing and publishing her own children's book. After she was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, she shared her dreams of being an author with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Ellena completed the writing for her book, Coconut and Charles, but passed away while it was being illustrated.

Saturday, April 29, her dream of becoming a published author came true. Make-A-Wish organized a special event at Crabtree Valley Mall to officially release her children's book for sale.

To learn more about Ellena and her book visit here.