Hi Everyone,
 I wanted to let you know about an annual event that my family and friends are a part of.

As some of you know, our youngest daughter, Ellen, passed away 10 years ago this June of a brain tumor. She was finishing her eighth grade year at George Washington Middle School. Ellen was diagnosed in July of 2000, when she was 12 years old. Ellen fought this horrific disease for two years; radiation, chemotherapy, many hospitalizations, it was a nightmare.

Ellen died in June of 2002. She celebrated her 14th birthday in March. It was amazing but due to the medicine that she was on, she was cancer free in February of 2002. The doctors couldn't believe it. They ordered a pet scan and found that there was no cancer in her body. We celebrated and thanked God that she was getting well. Her friends gave her a surprise birthday party and they danced and celebrated not only her birthday but the fact that she did not have cancer! What a celebration! This celebrating was very short lived. In April, we noticed that something was not right. Her doctor confirmed that the cancer was coming back and had spread to other parts of her brain. We enrolled Ellen in a trial at Children's Hospital. The drug was so new that it did not even have a name, only a number. It was not working.
The first of June Ellen had a seizure at home and was flown to Children's by helicopter. She couldn't stop seizing and was put into a medically induced coma and on a respirator. She died quietly with us by her side. Ellen knew how very much she was loved.

Now we participate in the Race for Hope. We would love to have you join us. This will continue year after year. It is a wonderful  way to remember and honor such a beautiful and loving soul.

Thanks,
Martha Waldron

Ellen's mom

The Race for Hope - DC presented by Cassidy Turley raises funds to support innovative research initiatives and provide information for brain tumor patients and their families. This amazing event relies on the dedication and enthusiasm of individuals, families, teams, volunteers, sponsors and donors. Thank you for your support in helping us find a cure for brain tumors!