'Friends' star Lauren Tom reveals daughter Ellie has cancer
Lauren Tom revealed what kind of cancer her daughter has been diagnosed
Actress Lauren Tom has shared heartbreaking news with fans, revealing that her 25-year-old daughter Ellie has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma a rare form of bone cancer.
The 64-year-old actress best known for playing Julie on Friends and starring in The Joy Luck Club announced the diagnosis in an emotional Instagram post on Sunday July 19.
"I wanted to share some tough news today," Tom wrote alongside a carousel of photos featuring Ellie. "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."
Tom acknowledged that the family is facing a difficult road ahead, writing, "We have a long journey ahead of us."
Reflecting on the challenging time the actress shared one of Fred Rogers' well-known quotes about looking for "the helpers" during difficult moments.
She went on to express gratitude to her loved ones and the medical team caring for Ellie.
"I'd like to thank our friends and family, and the incredible doctors and nurses at Cedars-Sinai for their ongoing boundless support, love, and care. It is truly humbling to see how willing people are to reach out and help," she wrote.
Tom also asked her followers to keep Ellie in their thoughts and prayers.
"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?" she added.
Describing her daughter Tom wrote "Ellie is an amazing, deep, sensitive, wise, strong, brave, intelligent, and funny soul. Beautiful inside and out."
She also left an encouraging message on Ellie's Instagram page writing "You are strong, brave and will recover from this completely to live a beautiful, meaningful life. You are so loved, Ellie, by everyone who knows you."
According to the Cleveland Clinic osteosarcoma most commonly develops in the bones of the arms or legs.
Treatment typically involves surgery and chemotherapy and outcomes depend on whether the cancer has spread.
