Friends actress Lauren Tom has revealed that her 25-year-old daughter Ellie has been diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer. Tom, best known for playing Ross's girlfriend Julie on the hit sitcom, shared the news on Instagram on Sunday.
Tom, 64, posted a series of photos of Ellie, whom she shares with husband Curt Kaplan, including one of the pair embracing their dog. She wrote: "I wanted to share some tough news today. 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."
Appeal for Prayers and Support
Tom quoted Fred Rogers, saying: "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.'" She described Ellie as "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 expressed gratitude to friends, family, followers, and doctors at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles, adding: "It is truly humbling to see how willing people are to reach out and help."
Understanding Osteosarcoma
Bone cancer, or sarcoma, is extremely rare. Osteosarcoma is among the more common subtypes and typically affects children and teenagers. Primary treatments include chemotherapy and surgery, which may lead to amputation.
Tom's post received an outpouring of support, including from comedian Ken Jeong, who commented: "Sending all our love and prayers for Ellie. Anything we can do let us know. Love you." Actress Ming-Na Wen added: "Praying for Ellie and keeping all of your family in our thoughts and prayers, sis! Love you!"
Tom also left a message on her daughter's Instagram: "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."
