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Friends star Lauren Tom has shared that her 25-year-old daughter Ellie has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
The actor, who is best known for playing Ross’s (David Schwimmer) girlfriend Julie on the first two seasons of the hit sitcom, made the announcement on Instagram on Sunday.
Tom, 64, posted a series of pictures of Ellie to social media; the first image showed Lauren and Ellie – the daughter she shares with actor husband Curt Kaplan – hugging their dog.
“I wanted to share some tough news today…” wrote the Futurama and King of the Hill voice actor. “This is my beautiful daughter, Ellie. She is currently battling osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and my family and I are doing everything we can to aid in her healing.
“I am reminded of the Fred Rogers quote, ‘When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”’”
The mother to two children, Tom continued: “Ellie is an amazing, deep, sensitive, wise, strong, brave, intelligent, and funny soul. Beautiful inside and out. We have a long journey ahead of us.. would you be so kind to keep Ellie in your prayers for a complete recovery, and perhaps leave a comment for her here, or on her account?”
Tom thanked her friends, family and followers, as well as the doctors at the prestigious Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles, adding: “It is truly humbling to see how willing people are to reach out and help.”
Bone cancer – also known as a sarcoma – is a very rare form of cancer, with osteosarcoma one of the more common subtypes and often affects children and teenagers. The main forms of treatment for the condition are chemotherapy and surgery, which may end in amputation.
Tom’s post was met with an outpouring of support from her followers, with comedian Ken Jeong writing: “Sending all our love and prayers for Ellie. Anything we can do let us know. Love you.”
Actor and chef Ming-Na Wen echoed: “Praying for Ellie and keeping all of your family in our thoughts and prayers, sis! Love you!”
Thanking them for her support once again, Tom left her own message of support on a recent post on her daughter’s own Instagram.
“You are strong, brave and will recover from this completely to live a beautiful, meaningful life,” she wrote. “You are so loved, Ellie, by everyone who knows you.”
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