Love of Lindsay

Lindsay Aaronson Ess graduated in May 2007 from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising. She was very involved with the department as the student director of the annual fashion show and she worked on the School of the Arts Summer Intensive program as a teaching assistant. A selfless leader, Lindsay inspires others to follow. Lindsay was an organizer in school projects and helped to bring cooperation and order to group activities. She was especially capable at working with young students, as evidenced by the great rapport she had with high school students in the Fashion Summer Intensive. She had just been hired to teach fashion marketing at the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School in the City of Richmond.

Most would agree that life is good; Lindsay is among those who just want to make it a little better. Whether it’s telling a joke while wearing an endearing smile, or placing her arms around a young friend in need, Lindsay never hesitates to remind us she cares. People both young and old are drawn to her generous spirit, unselfconscious beauty and strong will.

Lindsay was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2006, after struggling with symptoms since her late teens. The advanced state of the disease necessitated surgery on August 3, 2007 to remove part of her intestines. She developed debilitating complications following the surgery, which led to severe sepsis and total organ failure. She remained in the intensive care unit for over four months, and will require a very long recovery and rehabilitation.

Donations made through loveoflindsay.com and other fundraising activities will be used to aid in covering Lindsay’s mounting medical and rehabilitation costs.