I first heard about the Ellie Fund when a good friend was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive type of breast cancer. She had a demanding, full-time career and a family with two young children. Even with her strong network of support, I couldn't imagine how she would manage the daily responsibilities of being a mom while undergoing harrowing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. However, as I was not a wife or mom at that time, I could not truly appreciate the complexity of her situation. It wasn't until my father was diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer that I began to understand and appreciate the value of the Ellie Fund. 

People have different reactions to the word "cancer." However, I'm not sure many understand the day-to-day implications of such a diagnosis. While there is the physical and emotional toll on the patient and his/her family, there are also financial and logistical challenges that can cause added stress. The Ellie Fund helps alleviate these stresses by providing critical support services such as nutritional and grocery assistance, transportation to/ from treatments, light housekeeping, childcare reimbursement and delivery of nutritious, prepared meals. 

Why do I choose to support the Ellie Fund? It's simple - the Ellie Fund is a unique organization that has a profound, immediate and daily impact on those it serves. It alleviates everyday pressures so patients and families can focus on getting better. 

In 2018, I invite you to deepen your connection to the Ellie Fund. Whether it's by getting involved as a volunteer, buying a ticket to the Red Carpet Gala, placing a bid on Tom Brady's game-worn cleats or making a year-end gift to the Annual Fund, each will help the Ellie Fund continue to provide essential support services to local breast cancer patients and families. 

On behalf of all of us at the Ellie Fund and the patients we serve, my heartfelt thanks for your support. Happy holidays to you and your family!