Ellie Potvin

Ellie was perfectly happy, energetic, tanned and appeared healthy... not a symptom but a dull leg ache for a few months. What was dismissed for growing pains was the ugly tumor growing silently in her lower left pelvic area...pressing on the leg nerves. From there cancer metastasized into her lungs.

The Potvin’s innocent, kind and sweet Ellie (a twin), at six years old was diagnosed with a rare pediatric stage 4 (Rhabdomyosarcoma) cancer in her trunk and lungs. They found a hard lump in her pelvis area on the evening of July 2, 2008 while powdering her before bedtime. Ellie's twin sister is Grace, they are best of friends and rarely leave each others side. Ellie began her cancer treatment on Saturday, July 5^th, 2008. She had completed 30 straight days of radiation to her lungs and abdomen by end of October 2008.  Ellie completed a total of 42 rounds of Chemo through May 2009. 

Ellie was an inspiration to many and kicked cancers butt - Remission in June 2009.

Sadly, less than 3 months later, Ellie was back where she began with tumors in her lungs and the same tumor in her abdomen growing again. They started a new chemotherapy treatment as a second line of therapy... it failed to work. Now the Potvin’s are looking for the cure.

Update as of Tuesday April 20^th, Ellie’s mother spoke with the oncologist and learned the lung scan results. Based on the analysis of their pediatric radiologist, the news was heartbreaking... worse than expected.  No new tumors in the lungs... but 2 of the cancer tumors had grown a little (This was a shock).  How much tumor growth is not the point.  The point is that chemotherapy is no longer potent in destroying the cancer cells in Ellie's lungs. It appears ... the 4th chemo protocol treatment has failed to work long-term

Amy (Ellie’s mother) said “Once again our family is at a new fork in the road. How do we help Ellie to continue this fight against cancer, as we pray and continue to have faith in God's miracle? We will not give up.  For nothing in Ellie indicates her spirit is ready to let go for heaven.  In fact, she seems more than content on this place called earth and truly enjoying her days. But we must hold strong to the faith and belief that God can heal our daughter... Ellie does not need medicine. Cancer does not have a chance next to God.  For such a scary name, it is just a weak bully when compared to our almighty father in heaven and earth”.

The Potvin family invites you to walk with them in their journey called "cancer" ... “we experience sadness, fear, grief, anxiety and incredible blessings. We are in a fight for our daughter’s (twin) life. We believe in God and Miracles”.   

Please keep Ellie in your prayers. This little girl is fighting for her life and deserves the chance to be normal like every other girl in this world. The Potvin family is believing for a miracle, please believe with them and united we can reach heaven for her.

Stay current with what’s happening in Ellie’s life and progress. Please visit her websites and support the family. Thank you!

Ellie’s Website: http://liftupellie.com

Caringbridge page: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elliepotvin

  

Update May 7th, 2010: Here’s a video link that WSOCTV did that featured Ellie’s journey with cancer and her wonderful art.

Link: http://bit.ly/akctrp 

UPDATE: Ellie passed away June 2010. She is now a sweet angel in Heaven. We miss you Ellie! Please keep her family in your prayers during this time.