Susan Ellsbury of Fairbury, Nebraska was diagnosed with early-stage esophageal cancer during a routine endoscopic examination performed in March of 2026. Susan has undergone a 6-hour surgical procedure to remove the cancerous tissue, with an 11-12 day hospitalization for recovery. This will be followed by four to six weeks of recuperation in a skilled nursing facility and further recuperation at home.

Surgery was done at the Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha, Nebraska, which is about a 2 1/4 hour drive (145 miles) from the Ellsbury home.

This GoFundMe appeal is being started to help with travel, meals, and other expenses not covered by insurance to allow family members to be in Omaha during Susan's surgery and hospitalization. Funding also will help with travel for follow-up medical care in Fairbury and in Omaha during an expected 2 to 3 month recuperation time.

SUSAN HAS BEEN IN THE ICU UNIT OF THE BUFFETT CANCER CENTER FOR EIGHT WEEKS NOW.

SHE IS WORKING HARD TO REGAIN BREATHING FUNCTION, AND HAS ENDURED BOUTS WITH PNEUMONIA AND AUTO-IMMUNE ISSUES AFFECTING BLOOD PLATELETS AND WHITE BLOOD CELLS. SHE IS VERY WEAK AND WORKING HARD TOWARD REGAINING STRENGTH AND EVENTUALLY A TRANSFER TO MADONNA REHABILITATION CENTER.

WE THANK ALL FOR YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.