One cancer kid in particular, Ella McNellie, is as fierce as they come. At just 20 months old, she was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer of the soft tissue, connective tissue, and bone. More than 5 years later, she is still fighting this beast, and has endured 8 rounds of chemo, 3 rounds of radiation and 8 surgeries, all with a courage and bravery that I wish I too possessed, and more often than not, with a smile on her face. Ella, like so many of the cancer kids we have been blessed to have met in the past 10 months, is a fighter and an inspiration to those around her. She has endured more than any child should ever have to, and through it all she has never given up. We could all learn a lesson from this amazing little girl!
Ella and her family need our prayers. This morning during her 8th surgery to remove a tumor, surgeons discovered that the tumor had spread to spots that could not be removed due to their proximity to vital organs and blood supply. This is devastating news to a family that has been through so much, and the family does not know yet what, if any, options they have left.
Please lift this family up in prayer. We ask for prayers for Ella's complete healing, and strength for her parents and siblings who have been fighting the fight right alongside her for 5 years. We also ask for prayers for the doctors and nurses who will be caring for Ella and making decisions about what further treatment options are available, that they will be guided by God's hand to know what is best for Ella.
Many of you follow this blog via facebook and post your comments there. We ask that you post all comments regarding this particular blog post directly on the blog so that Ella's family will be able to read them and draw strength from them. Here is a picture of Ella:
Val
What a fighter she is! The bravery of such a young child is remarkable. I am truly in awe. Our prayers are with sweet Ella and her family for continued strength and understanding.
ReplyDeleteWhat a strong little girl you are Ella, I dont know you or your mommy and daddy but I do know that God is looking down on you and your parents and he will take care of all of you. I will hold you in my prayers Sweetheart.
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are being sent to beautiful and brave Ella and her family. May it provide strength and comfort during this time.
ReplyDeleteI will most definitely continue to keep Ella and the rest of your family in my prayers and thoughts. Ella is an amazing and beautiful person. You all have been through a lot and you continue to be strong and pull together.
ReplyDeleteSarah
I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Ella is a remarkable little girl..Remain strong and gain strength from all of us that are here to support you....
ReplyDeleteThis little girl does sound like such a warrior!!! If she has gotten through all that, she can make it through this. May she and her doctors, nurses and family continue to be strong and persevere through this difficult time. Fight, keep fighting...lean on friends, family, God and pull strength when you feel the weak taking over. May God bless Ella and her family!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear this news. Ella is a strong warrior and so is her family that has takne every step of this journey with her. They will continue to walk together with god's guidance and leading. I pray for them peace, guidance, comfort, and love. I pray that the hospital staff can help Ella and her family with what ever may come in the days and months ahead.
ReplyDeleteElla you are one of the strongest girls I know and I respect you so much. I know that God will find a way to let the doctor's know what treatment will work for you. Your family is just as strong as you are and will always be there to support you and for you to lean on. In these cases there are no friends or acquantances, we are all family. We all love you and your family and will help you all in any way possible.
ReplyDeleteMcNellie family, I love you guys and will always have you in my prayers! You all have incredible strength and Ella teaches adults and children everyday how to have the courage and strength to live...she is an inspiration to me...again I love you guys...
ReplyDeleteJess Hall!!!!
Ella from the first day I met you in Headstart when you and my daughter Brittin went,I knew you were a gift from God. It didn't matter what kind of day you were having you always had a smile on your face.I pray for you and your family every night and will continue to pray.
ReplyDeleteJessica Winters
prayers and wishes for God's grace to lift this child up in healing...prayers for her wonderful parents as they spend every precious moment with her...hopes that God will touch her and take this awful illness away from her...no child should suffer this way....no parent should have to watch their child suffer this way...
ReplyDeleteWe all love you Ella and have you held in our hearts and prayers. You are an amazing person. And a blessing to everyone who knows you!
ReplyDelete"Lord, I am scared, frustrated and confused but I know you are working on my behalf. I praise you for the work you are doing and I put my complete trust in your plan."
ReplyDeletePrayers continuing always for The McNellie family. We praise God for Ellas life and ask that God touch this precious little one with His healing hands and wrap His loving arms around this family. We place all our Hope and Trust in Him for all things. Keep them all strong. Hugs.
ReplyDeletegod has you in his arms he will take care of you always
ReplyDeleteI continue to pray for you and your family Chad. This is absolutely the hardest thing that you guys have to endure. She is such a trooper and everytime i get sad when i read your posts i look at those pictures of her and her big smile. Prayers everyday and hang in there.
ReplyDeleteElla we will miss you. Through out your life you touched many hearts including mine. But god needed a new little angel and he chose you. I'll see you soon! Have fun up there.
ReplyDelete^School will be really hard this year without you.^
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