Ellen Fields - Chemo Costumes

In August, 2019, after waiting 10 months for her health insurance to finally approve the MRI, Ellen was diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer. Her diagnosis was devastating and all we could think of is WE CAN NOT LIVE WITHOUT HER. She is only 45 years old and it’s just not fair.

Ellen is one of a kind. She has the biggest heart and loves unconditionally. Ellen is always doing random acts of kindness. For example, last winter she gave an elderly woman her new winter coat off her back. When someone she cares about needs her, she drops everything for them. As our grandmother’s health began to fail and more recently our dad got very ill, she went to Florida to help. 

We all know nonprofit social workers do not make a high salary and yet Ellen is often giving her former students (now young adults) money for things they need, like Metrocard money to get to work or a few dollars for lunch. Even as she is going through chemo she made 50 care packages with inspirational notes, warm socks and candy for other patients also going through chemotherapy.

As we all know, any medical condition can play havoc on ones finances and does not always allow us to continue to work. Initially, Ellen’s plan was to work at school during chemo “off weeks.” Additionally, Ellen also supplemented her income with tutoring and babysitting jobs in the city. However, a few weeks ago she got sepsis and neutropenia. This is a deadly infection and she was hospitalized for 2 weeks, 1 of which was in ICU. Thankfully, she survived and now has to be even more careful.

Ellen works at a public school in the city. Although she takes major precautions to stay healthy, schools are a breeding ground for germs. With a compromised immune system, this is not how Ellen should be spending her days. She MUST conserve her energy and be mindful of who she is around. She is very vulnerable to getting infections, as all patients receiving chemotherapy are. She still has 12 chemo sessions, followed by radiation and will hopefully finish her treatment before the summer.

It is time for US to step up to the plate and MAKE A DIFFERENCE in Ellen’s life. Whether near or far, we can all participate in helping Ellen.  People are constantly asking our family, “what can I do to help?” We have the answer.  A donation to Ellen’s GO FUND ME account. The money will be going to pay rent, buy groceries, and bills. If we all contribute, we WILL make a difference so that she can concentrate on getting stronger and healthier without worrying about working in order to pay her bills. All donations count & are appreciated. Five dollars is the minimum and many of those add up! Life is a give and take. Ellen has paid it forward over and over again. It’s time, RIGHT NOW, that we say “thank you, Ellen” for the good person that she is and pay it forward.   

Lastly, it is important to mention Ellen didn’t agree with having a Go Fund Me. While she appreciates so many caring people; family and friends wish to help, she feels torn. Ellen feels Go Fund Me fundraisers such as, “Help our family bury our 2 children after a Christmas house fire,” or “Help buy prosthetic legs for a 5 year old” doesn’t even come close to her needs. Yet, she still would like to give those family and friends the opportunity to donate should they feel they want to. Should a person not wish to or not be able to donate, she understands.  She is extremely grateful and humbled by your thoughtfulness and generosity. 

 Thank you.


Relationship to beneficiary : mother. 
Ellens family will be withdrawing the funds 
Through a personal checking account. This
is what Ellen requested while she is undergoing Chemo.