It is a privilege to serve on the Ellie Fund's Board of Directors and an honor to write this note to all of you who support our mission. I am not just a Board Member, I am also a former patient. I can truly attest to the Ellie Fund's amazing ability to give hope, and not just support, to the patients it serves.

When I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in December of 2014, I was completely shocked. I was 42-years-old and there was no history of breast cancer in my family. I was a single mother of two wonderful young boys (one with special needs) and I worked full time. I did not want to put my life on hold for cancer so the adjustment to feeling very sick all the time and not being able to live my very active life was emotionally taxing as well as physically draining. I continued to work through my treatments, taking time off as needed, but it was very hard on me. I worried constantly about appearing to be "fine" for my boys and about providing them with the support and love they needed now more than ever because I looked and felt so sick. The most difficult part for me was not having the time or energy to make meals for or spend time with my children because when I was home, I was completely exhausted. I needed help and hated to admit that.

The Ellie Fund was introduced to me through a patient navigator, fellow Board Member Laura Proctor. At first, I thought that I should not ask for help because someone else probably needed it more than I did. I was finally convinced to apply and when the first delivered meal arrived magically at my doorstep soon after, I cried. I cried because the Ellie Fund knew I needed help, even if I was stubborn about accepting it. The Ellie Fund knew that one of the biggest concerns of a mother with breast cancer is how she will care for her family. They helped alleviate that concern for me by sending meals and grocery store gift cards allowing others to buy prepared foods and groceries for me. If nothing else, I knew that my kids would be fed healthy meals like the ones I wasn't able to cook for them anymore. This was such a relief.

But, this support is not the most important thing that the Ellie Fund provided. The Ellie Fund gave me hope. Hope that I could get through the horrible experience that is cancer and hope that I would be there again for my children one day - healthier and happier. With every delivered meal I felt supported and loved by strangers helping me get to the finish line. I felt like I was on Heartbreak Hill of the Boston Marathon, and they were passing me Gatorade and cheering "You can do it"! I will always be grateful to the Ellie Fund, and to you, for giving me hope when I needed it most.

Thank you,

Thanda Fields Brassard

Board Member