Lemont High School is going green for freshman classmate Ellie Cuiching.
“Mama told me not to waste my life... spread your wings my butterfly,” she said.
The 14-year-old who loves to sing is at home recovering from a surgery that removed part of a growing brain tumor she was diagnosed with.
According to the GoFundMe page created by Ellie's aunt Kelli Wunder Shoup, the teen had surgery on Jan. 22 and now "has a long road of recovery in front of her, as she learns to eat, drink, walk, and regain function."
“I’m feeling fine,"Ellie said. "I love how everyone is checking up on me.”
Family friend April Rita explained that Ellie was diagnosed when she was just 5 years old.
"She’s spent the past 9 years... in four different surgeries and in chemo and radiation,” she said.
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With medical bills piling up, a GoFundMe page was set up with a $50,000 goal to help the family with the financial burden.
In addition, '#EllieStrong' bracelets were created (selling each for $2)--and they are not just sold at Lemont Schools, nearby businesses have started selling them as well.
"We’ve sold out twice, Rita said. "They’d made their way to Disney World." And not just that, they've even made their way onto Broadway,where the cast of 'Cats' and other hit musicals have sent Ellie a video message showing support.
Ellie says the bracelet sales and steady stream of hashtagged photos is just what she needs.
"Their love and support is helping me and it’s great to know that people care,” she said.
Ellie's mom recently wrote on her blog "(I) cannot tell you how excited I am about everyone going green in Lemont and all over the country."
Everyone who has been involved and showing support can agree that Ellie has been the one spearheading them with strength and oozing inspiration.
For more information on locations to purchase a #EllieStrong bracelet, click here.
