***Update 11/16/25***

Great news! Elsie is recovering very well. Her surgeon did an amazing job on Elsie's liver resection and was able to completely remove the colon cancer. Her pathology report came back after surgery stating the margins of her surgery site were clear. These are all great signs and much needed good news. She will need to continue to get scans and bloodwork every three months as ongoing surveillance. Since insurance doesn't fully cover this surveillance, it becomes very expensive. Your donations are so appreciated!

My name is Kay Russell, and I am writing to you today on behalf of my incredible friend, Elsie San Miguel. For those who don't know, Elsie has recently had to battle a second recurrence of colon cancer in her liver.

This has turned her world upside down. We are starting this GoFundMe to help ease the significant financial burden ahead and allow our beautiful Elsie to focus all of her energy on healing.

Elsie recently had her second liver resection surgery on October 21st, the day after her birthday. Her surgeon said her surgery went incredibly well. Now, she needs to rest and heal. Anyone who knows Elsie knows that she is not one to focus on her own needs. Even after giving 100% to her students every week, she often serves in church ministry on the weekends. Her heartfelt sacrifices for her family, friends, and her students are truly endless.

Being away from her English Language Arts classroom filled with seventh graders is very difficult for her. Her humor, organization, and dedication to finding ways to make each moment in her classroom meaningful and fun make her the most amazing teacher I've ever known. Our hope is that she can heal for the full six weeks her surgeon has recommended, and then get back to doing what she does best.

The reality of this cancer recurrence includes immense financial stress, even with insurance. Elsie has rapidly run out of her sick day leave. She used many days for her original colon cancer surgery and recovery. I witnessed her superhuman ability to show up to teach throughout all of her chemotherapy rounds in 2021. She knew she needed to save her sick days. She has also lost days due to the constant need for check-ups, scans, and bloodwork. She is required to complete ongoing oncology surveillance which includes an MRI and bloodwork every three months. Her insurance does not cover all of these costs.

I know that so much heaviness would be lifted off of Elsie's shoulders if she could focus on her well-being without the looming reality of her paycheck being docked. Everyone who loves her wants her to have peace of mind while she heals.

The funds raised on this page will be used directly to help with:

Your generosity, no matter the size, will make a world of difference. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing Elsie's story with your network. The power of your support, prayers, and positive thoughts is invaluable to her and to those who adore her. From the bottom of our hearts, Elsie's cancer warriors thank you for standing with her during this fight.