In triangle $ABC,$ $M$ is the midpoint of $\overline{AB}.$ Let $D$ be the point on $\overline{BC}$ such that $\overline{AD}$ bisects $\angle BAC,$ and let the perpendicular bisector of $\overline{AB}$ intersect $\overline{AD}$ at $E.$ If $AB = 44$ and $ME = 12,$ then find the distance from $E$ to line $AC.$