Support Ellen's Cancer Treatment

Hello Friends and Family,

We are writing to you as Ellen's chidren. Our family wants to create a space today to share some unfortunate news about our mom. She received a diagnosis no one wants to hear—breast cancer. Our lovely friends and family have been reaching out to see what they can do. So, this will be a simple way to help for anyone who can.

Ellen found a lump recently through her own self-exam. It was undetectable just a couple months ago at a regular checkup. She acted right away and went through a series of tests to get ready for treatment. This process has been especially difficult. Each appointment changes what we understand about her cancer, and how treatment works. They have now diagnosed her with stage 2 breast cancer and begun chemotherapy.

From the start, this has been a whirlwind! She and the doctors are going to give it all they’ve got in the coming year. We’re grateful for that in a lot of ways, but it’s a lot for our mom to process and accept in a short time. She’s amazing, positive, and strong. We are so grateful to see the love our friends and family have for her when they hear about this bad news. It’s clear she’s surrounded by so many good people.

We want to be upfront about where Ellen could use some help. Even before treatment starts, her medical appointments are adding up. Her oncology team told us that her expenses for treatment will add up too. We’re trying to look ahead and not only help our mom to reach her health insurance deductible, but also make sure she doesn't have to worry about expenses her medical insurance is not covering: wigs, hair coverings, cold and compression socks and gloves for chemo, etc. We don’t want to scramble to pay these bills, and we want her to be as comfortable as possible. If we can get alleviate her stresses financially, then she can focus all her energy on getting better.

All the money we raise will go straight to Ellen for her medical expenses. She’s had all kinds of scans, biopsies, and consultations. Soon she’ll have chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and likely radiation therapy. Any contribution will take some weight off our stress as a family.

We want to add our sincere thanks to everyone, whether or not you can give to our mom’s fund. If you’re reading this, you probably know her or our dear friends. She has such a kind heart. She has love there, and we know she appreciates every one of you. Please check in with each other and your own health because you all deserve the help you need.

Thanks again, and please share this fund with anyone you know who’d like to help Ellen!