The Hunter family and Ellie’s Cancer Battle & Recovery

Ellie- 2.5 years old

On 9/28 following fussiness and the sprouting of an odd rash, Ellie visited her pediatrician and were quickly referred to a local Children’s Hospital for blood work. The results of the bloodwork required an immediate inpatient stay as Ellie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

Ellie started induction therapy on 10/01 and had a very difficult start that many didn’t anticipate. Ellie’s kidneys took a turn for the worse on day 1 and we required emergency transport to another facility for dialysis. Ellie remained in the ICU for over three weeks before being downgraded to the oncology floor and then rehab floor ultimately staying more than 50 days in the hospital but able to return home just in time for Thanksgiving.

Induction therapy was successful and Ellie was deemed to be in remission. To the surprise of many, she bounced back very quickly dropping the need for dialysis entirely and regaining a lot of the physical function she had lost. Ellie also tolerated the next phases of treatment with minimal side effects.

However, on 01/24 following chemotherapy, we began to notice one eye begin to wander. This was monitored and ultimately lead to further exams from eye specialists in the days that followed. These exams revealed a completely detached retina and a mass within her eye which concerned many different specialists. Ellie received additional scans and exams to help determine a diagnosis.

On 02/07 we received the devastating news that Ellie is one of the very rare cases to relapse early during intensive treatment. While relapsing so quickly is alarming, there are still options for treatment. However, these will both be more intense in the types of medication/therapies she receives and the likelihood of more regular and frequent hospital visits and inpatient stays.

Ellie has a very long, difficult road ahead to beat cancer a second time but we remain hopeful she’ll overcome again. Even on the toughest days she continues to show extraordinary strength and resilience and still manages to bring out smiles and laughter in everyone she sees.

#EllieStrong

We ask to shower this family with love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.

We know that God is in control ,

Thank you