In June, my dear friend of 48 years, Elecia Ellis, called for our routine chat to catch up on each other’s lives. We went to high school together and have remained close over the years regardless of how far apart we lived.

Elecia told me she was not feeling well; on top of that, Elecia thought pulling a muscle in her neck was wreaking havoc on her day-to-day life. So naturally, I was concerned, but I knew Elecia’s strong will and perseverance would enable her to push forward despite any obstacles she may encounter.

The assumed muscle pull had her in the emergency room soon after our conversation. So many tests later, and the news is hard to fathom.

Elecia is diagnosed with Lytic bone lesions in her neck and will need radiation to reduce the pain and kill the lesions. While putting Elecia through a battery of tests, they discover stage 4 cervical cancer. Chemo and surgery are needed for this cancer. While in the hospital, Elecia contracted a staph infection, putting her chemo on hold until the condition could be cleared. This past week Elecia was released from the hospital and will live with her mother while she battles cancer and focuses on her health and recovery. Each day we pray for Elicia’s continued strength.

While this is devastating news, there are three things I know about Elecia.

1. Elecia has a strong faith in God

2. Elecia has a positive mindset and is a competitive winner

3. Elecia will educate herself and follow through on the best course of action with the support of her family and friends.

We need everyone’s prayers and support now and for the foreseeable future. Elecia is one of the kindest, most intelligent, highly educated women I know. Elecia has worked hard all her life, gained much success over the years working in corporate America, and has always paid it forward.

Elecia left corporate life several years ago and started freelance consulting for small businesses in the Memphis, TN. Many of you know self-employment is rewarding and comes with its own set of risks. Elecia is now facing that risk.

To compound the battle Elecia is facing in her fight against cancer, she cannot work and will also face a financial struggle.

Your help, regardless of the amount, is critical and profoundly appreciated by Elecia and her family. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Thank you for your gesture of love and support for Elecia. All funds raised with help supplement the loss of Elecia’s income in 2022 /2023 and her mounting medical expenses.

Elecia loves bible scriptures; they bolster her spiritual strength and mindset. I will close with two she recently quoted.

“I am the Lord your God. Is anything too hard for me?” Genesis18:14

“What is impossible with men is Possible with God” Luke 18:27