Hope From John Ellis

Hope From John Ellis exists to raise awareness of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy, advance maternal and liver health education, and surround grieving families with compassion, remembrance, and hope.

Many pregnancies begin with itching or burning palms that are brushed off as “normal” — even when they are early clues to Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy. Hope From John Ellis exists to make sure those warning signs are not missed, so that moms are heard sooner, ICP is recognized earlier, and care can change the story for families. ICP is a liver disorder that occurs during pregnancy and involves impaired bile flow and a buildup of bile acids. It is associated with serious risks in pregnancy and is part of the broader field of pregnancy-related liver health. ICP can affect anyone who is pregnant.

Contact Us

OUR VISION

A world where preventable pregnancy loss is reduced, pregnancy-related liver conditions are recognized earlier, and every family facing loss is met with compassionate care and lasting hope.

OUR MISSION

Hope From John Ellis advances maternal and liver health by increasing awareness of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy, promoting timely recognition and education, and supporting families affected by pregnancy and infant loss with compassion, remembrance, and practical care.

About ICP

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy, or ICP, is a pregnancy-specific liver disorder that changes how bile moves through the liver, causing bile acids to build up in the blood. The hallmark symptom is itching, often without a rash, and it may begin on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet, though symptoms can also be more widespread. While ICP often improves after birth, it can increase risks during pregnancy, which is why awareness, timely diagnosis, and appropriate management matter so deeply.

Why Awareness Matters

Too many families are told that itching in pregnancy is normal, even though some patterns of itching can be a warning sign that deserves closer attention. ICP can be associated with preterm birth, newborn breathing problems, fetal distress, and higher risk in pregnancies with elevated bile acids, making earlier recognition an important part of safer care. We believe education can change outcomes by helping families ask better questions and can help clinicians respond faster.

Our Guiding Values

Compassion & Hope

We meet families in grief with tenderness, dignity, and practical support, recognizing that every story of loss deserves to be held with care. We believe remembrance can lead to action, healing, and renewed purpose for families, clinicians, and communities.

Advocacy

We champion awareness of ICP and other pregnancy-related liver conditions so symptoms are recognized, questions are asked, and lives are protected.

Integrity

We honor every family’s trust through honesty, humility, and faithful stewardship of the mission entrusted to us.

Collaboration

We work alongside medical professionals, advocates, and families to actively work at the forefront of ICP research, and strengthen education, awareness, and support across maternal and liver health.

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Hope From John Ellis was created by the Naff family in memory of John Ellis Naff, who was born into heaven at 35 weeks gestation on January 6, 2017, after a misdiagnosed case of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy. We share John Ellis’s story and stories from our community to raise awareness, strengthen maternal liver health, and bring hope to grieving families.

We are committed to actively leading and engaging in meaningful research about ICP and other liver health issues with a hope that someday, ICP is longer a threat to pregnancies.