Help 'Lift Up' Ellie Potvin, Eight Year Old With Rare Cancer

Ellie Potvin was only six years old when she was diagnosed with stage 4 rhabdomyoarcoma, a rare childhood cancer, in July of 2008.

Ellie's parents discovered a tumor in her pelvic area, which then metastasized into her lungs. The disease accounts for about three percent of childhood cancers, with about 350 children diagnosed with it each year. The five year survival rate hovers around 25 percent, and relapse is extremely likely. Ellie endured 42 rounds of chemotherapy with the hope that the cancer was in remission last spring.

In October doctors discovered the cancer has returned, with only a 10 percent chance of being cured. The relapse has not done much to dampen Ellie's bubbly, positive personality, which is matched by a twin sister, Grace, with whom she just shared an eighth birthday party.

Ellie's battle with cancer has made her an inspirational spirit for the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, which has gone to great lengths to support her. Fans include the Charlotte Checkers hockey team, who recently hosted a second "Lift Up Ellie" night during home game to raise money for her medical bills. The team's previous efforts raised more than $9,600.

Donate to The Ellie Shoal Potvin Supplemental Needs Trust to assist with the Potvin family's medical bills and provide the best medical care available for the girl. A "Walk For Ellie" is planned for Sunday, November 15, in Wilmington, North Carolina, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Wrightsville Beach Park, with all proceeds going to the fund.

WATCH Ellie and her twin sister Grace sing:

Ellie's story has quickly garnered hundreds of supporters via Twitter, including Lance Armstrong, Deepak Chopra, Nancy Grace, Khloe Kardashian and Shawn Johnson.

Lift Up Ellie details Ellie's progress, with updates on doctor visits and fundraisers. Follow the Potvin family on Twitter as they chronicle their story.

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Comments

[SpinDown08]

Well, I sent my help forward, whatever god it will do. I really think the impact page is the best part of HP now. Instead of griping about what news is presented to us, we can get involved in making changes, even if it is in small degrees.

[Amy Tanaka]

This story sounds all too familiar ... my friend Jonathan Nord just passed away a little over a week and a half ago from a rare type of liver cancer which also metastasized into his lungs.

Please retweet this story and add it to your facebook. Ask your friends and family to donate and support her.

Jona only found out about his cancer in July, and he passed away 3 months later. But all the support from strangers and friends/family he got was overwhelming and great. I think showing Ellie this same support is VERY important.

Causecast Community Manager,
Amy
Causecast: http://www.causecast.org/member/ACT
Twitter: @ACTanaka