Help Ella Beat Cancer - Ella Strong

It is with a heavy heart that we share this heartbreaking news…


On Monday, April 26, 2021 Ella and her family heard the words that No child should ever have to hear...

“You have Cancer.”  Ella was diagnosed with Stage III Hodgkin's Lymphoma. 


Ella’s Story:

April 22, Ashley, Ella’s mom, took her to their pediatrician after noticing two small lumps in her pelvic area.  What started out as a routine doctor visit quickly escalated into the unfathomable. 
Ella was immediately sent to Janet Weis Children’s Hospital and underwent minor surgery to remove and biopsy the lumps on April 23rd.
On April 26th Ashley and Ella’s dad Mick heard the words that every parent’s nightmares are made of, “Your Daughter Has Cancer.” 
Ella underwent a PET scan the next day on April 27th.
April 28th – Just when you think it cannot possibly get any worse, it does.  Ashley and Mick received the news that the cancer has spread. 
Today, April 30th Ella is undergoing a bone marrow aspiration to see if the cancer has invaded her bones.  She is also having her port inserted for chemotherapy that will start on May 10th. 

Ella is a beautiful, kind, and fun loving 12-year-old girl.  She is the apple of her Daddy’s eye and her Mommy’s best friend.  She is the best big sister to her two younger brothers, Cullen and Carson. She is a granddaughter, niece, cousin and loyal friend to so many.  Ella is an athlete who excels in basketball and softball.  But above all Ella, is a WARRIOR – She is strong – She is courageous – SHE IS BRAVE. 

 
The Connolly Family is an asset to the Mahanoy Area Community, always willing and ready to help others.  Ashley and Mick are doing everything they can to ensure that Ella receives the best love and care they can during this challenging time.  Many hospital visits/overnight says lay ahead while Ella battles cancer.  Positive thoughts, prayers, and energy are of utmost importance and very much needed and appreciated.  

 
We started this Go Fund Me page with the hope to alleviate some of the financial stress that Ashley and Mick will face as Ella battles this wicked disease.  The average cost of Cancer treatment for a child (even with health insurance) is astronomical. The crippling medical bills are just one piece of the financial burden. There are also many out-of-pocket, non-medical expenses such as transportation to and from surgeries and treatments, lodging near treatments, childcare, loss of work hours, and treatments not covered by insurance.  

One of the greatest gifts of living in the coal region is the enormous amount of love and support that surrounds all of us. We celebrate each other's triumphs, and we support each other during our greatest times of need.   

We are asking for your support now.  Please share this page and consider a donation if possible (no amount is too small, and every cent will help tremendously).  Most of all please keep Ella, Ashley, Mick, Cullen and Carson in your prayers.  We thank you for all you can do.