Elena Kilner, one of eight children, grew up in Falls Church, Virginia. She graduated from the University of Dallas with a B.A. in theology. Elena currently lives in Potomac, Maryland with her husband Patrick. They have eight children. Their fifth child, John Paul, was born with a terminal genetic disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. John Paul died when he was 14 months old. Elena’s experience with John Paul is the subject of her book, Letters to John Paul.  She is passionate about sharing her experience with John Paul.