Donate to Ellen Riger's Cancer Fight

SUPPORT FOR ELLEN RIGER'S CANCER FIGHT

We were and have been, since our early high school years (Wheaton High School, Class of '65), best friends. But it was always much more than that. We were the "Three Musketeers."

The three of us, Jackie Collins Boyd, Judy Ford Goostree and Ellen Riger have an unbreakable bond, respect and love for one another, a true sisterhood that is never ending.

For this very reason, Jackie and Judy are sponsoring this Go Fund Me for our "sister", Ellen as she has a Grade 3 malignant tumor. Her Breast Recurrence Score is 30, dictating a stronger chemotherapy regimen of 20 weeks. Radiation will begin for 3 weeks, 3 weeks after chemo ends.

Ellen has willed herself through many serious medical events, but this one is even tougher.

As a pet care professional all of this certainly complicates her working ability. Chemo, even with insurance, is extremely expensive. While much of her annual income comes during the summer months, how much she is able to work is, yet, unknown. All of this is a crushing monetary blow. Applying for other types of assistance, in this questionable economy, any monies may be few and far between and not even arrive as chemotherapy begins this month.

Ellen has always been community oriented and has worked closely with high school students through the Wheaton Kensington Chamber of Commerce. She brought her vision of building relationships throughout the Wheaton Kensington Community simply by having diverse groups from the community celebrate together at the highly touted Chamber Awards Dinners for many years prior to Covid.

And, with her late Mother, in 1997, began Holiday On Duty, the program which makes sure First Responders in the Wheaton Kensington area receive Holiday Dinners Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Ellen's passion, all her life has been bringing people together. Her other greatest love is caring for and working with dogs and cats. She started transitioning from her gift basket/event design business, in 2004 (although she cared for various pets much before then) to pet care. She cherishes and adores and all of the animals in her care as well as their families. She is skilled and compassionate and creates extremely strong bonds.

Cancer does not just potentially strip away one's life and one's finances; it can strip away one's dignity. It has been very hard for her to ask for help. It can be very, very lonely. Please do help, share this post, and give whatever you can.