Hi everyone – thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for supporting Elena through this journey!

Back in the spring, Elena noticed some prominent swelling on the right side of her neck. Beginning in May, she went in for a series of doctor's appointments and testing that led to an eventual diagnosis of Hodgkins Lymphoma on July 3rd. During her testing, they determined that she has Stage 2 Bulky Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system — a vital part of the body’s immune defenses. The term “bulky” means the tumors are larger and aggressive, requiring a more intensive treatment approach.

Elena will begin a series of treatments on July 29th. She will be doing three rounds of chemotherapy followed by another round of scans to determine next steps. These scans will determine how many additional rounds she will need, the intensity of those rounds, and the need for radiation following chemotherapy. With an unknown latter half of her treatment plan, there are a lot of variabilities at play in costs so any amount you may be able to give will truly be life changing!

We’re raising funds to help cover medical expenses not fully covered by insurance, transportation to and from treatment, medications, lab work, hospital stays, wig consultations, and basic living expenses during recovery. As most of you probably know, Elena is from Atlanta, GA where all of her family still resides. On top of what is already a difficult physical and emotional journey, Elena will be doing all of her treatment in DC at John Hopkins Sibley Memorial Hospital. We are hoping to help raise some additional funding for her family to be able to come to DC and be with her throughout her treatments.

We want to help alleviate any financial burden so that Elena can focus entirely on healing. If you’re unable to give, sharing this campaign with your network would mean the world!

If you would like to provide a meal for Elena and her family during her treatment, the link to her meal train is here: https://mealtrain.com/rl7llv

We will continue to post updates, prayer requests, and praises to this thread as Elena begins treatment.

Thank you so much for the outpouring of love and support you have shown Elena through this process. It has meant more to her that you will ever know!