Ella’s cancer journey began in the most unexpected way; at a routine dental appointment. During a regular cleaning last April, her dental hygienist noticed an unusual mark inside Ella’s mouth. It didn’t look quite right, and that moment changed everything. 
On June 5th, Ella underwent surgery to have the area removed from her mouth. We were hopeful it was nothing serious. But the very next day, our phone rang with news no parent is ever prepared to hear: the biopsy showed malignant cancer; one so rare that the ENT had never seen it before in a child. Ella was diagnosed with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
In an instant, our lives shifted. What followed was a month filled with appointments, uncertainty, and fear. Another surgery was scheduled for July 9th, this time at Penn State Medical Center, where an incredible team of doctors successfully removed the cancer and a portion of her tongue. We were told Ella was one of the “lucky” ones; she did not need chemotherapy or radiation. For that, we are endlessly grateful.
But being “lucky” doesn’t mean the journey was easy.
Because Ella’s cancer is so rare and unfamiliar for children, her care didn’t end with surgery. She now has regular oncology appointments and MRI scans every three months to make sure the cancer hasn’t returned. Each scan brings anxiety (especially those IV needles!); each appointment a reminder that cancer is still part of her story. Her anxiety started to spread to everyday life which eventually led to online school.
Cancer also stole moments from Ella’s childhood. She didn’t get to go on the planned vacation, missed birthday parties, and gave up her active lifestyle. She missed her favorite gymnastics camp and countless practices; things that brought her joy and made her feel like herself. After surgery, she couldn’t eat solid food for weeks. She ended up in the ER one week after the surgery which kicked her back to square one with the healing process. Even simple things like meals, movement, and routines became challenges.
Through it all, Ella showed incredible strength. She learned how to be brave when she shouldn’t have had to. She learned patience, resilience, and courage far beyond her years.
THON raises money for children like Ella, not just those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, but those living with rare cancers, ongoing monitoring, and the emotional weight that comes with a diagnosis. Ella’s journey isn’t over. But because of THON, she doesn’t walk it alone. She looks forward to the TEEN THON events and is excited for her first THON experience this year.
It’s been six months since the cancer has been removed, and Ella is thriving (except on the days of the MRI). She recently placed first on bars on her new gymnastics team at the Katie Baldwin Invitational. She is putting up a good fight on the wrestling mat for the Pine Grove Middle School wrestling team and transitioned well to online school! She was able to squeeze into a gymnastics camp at Maryland University and the coaches and student athletes built her confidence back up, and she is looking forward to more college camps this summer! Life isn’t the same for Ella or the rest of the family, but we are all surviving and thriving most days.
We will see you all soon for THON!
To ensure that THON is able to donate 96 cents of every dollar raised to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, we heavily rely on donor support. These donations provide us the resources to create endless memories for our Four Diamonds families & foster a deep love & connection to our mission for our volunteers through Pre-THON Events, alternative fundraisers, & THON Weekend.
