Former Friends star Lauren Tom has opened up about her daughter Ellie’s battle with bone cancer in an emotional social media post.
Tom, 64, is best known for her role as Julie, the girlfriend of Ross (played by David Schwimmer) in seasons one and two of the hit ’90s sitcom.
Friends alumni Lauren Tom took to Instagram to share her daughter Ellie’s battle with bone cancer. Instagram/@laurentom9000
“I wanted to share some tough news today …” Tom captioned a series of photos of her daughter Ellie, 25, on Instagram on Sunday, July 19.
“This is my beautiful daughter, Ellie. She is currently battling osteosarcoma, (bone cancer) and my family and I are doing everything we can to aid in her healing.”
She continued: “I am reminded of the Fred Rogers quote, ’When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping’.”
Tom thanked their family, friends and the medical staff for their “ongoing boundless support, love and care”.
“It is truly humbling to see how willing people are to reach out and help,” Tom said.
“Ellie is an amazing, deep, sensitive, wise, strong, brave, intelligent, and funny soul. Beautiful inside and out.
Tom concluded: “We have a long journey ahead of us… would you be so kind to keep Ellie in your prayers for a complete recovery, and perhaps leave a comment for her here, or on her account?
“Thank you so much for reading and for your support.”
Lauren Tom (right) was best known for her role as Julie in Friends from 1995 to 1996. NBC
In the comment section, many stars offered their support to Lauren and Ellie.
“There is a place for you both in my heart Lauren and Ellie, please stay!❤️,” That 70’s Show’s Kurtwood Smith wrote.
“Ellie sending you love and energy every day!! You are so cool and we want you here with us!! You’re in my thoughts a lot and next time I see you I am giving you the biggest hug. Also your hair colour is fire, I love it,” Shrinking actress Lilan Bowden said.
Actor Ken Jeong commented: “Sending all our love and prayers for Ellie. Anything we can do let us know. Love you.”
Tom described daughter Ellie as a ‘deep, sensitive, wise, strong, brave, intelligent, and funny soul’. Instagram/@laurentom9000
In her career, Tom also played Lena St. Clair on The Joy Luck Club as well as major voice acting roles in Futurama and King of the Hill. Instagram/@laurentom9000
Tom posted a message of her own on Ellie’s account.
“You are strong, brave and will recover from this completely to live a beautiful, meaningful life,” she wrote.
“You are so loved, Ellie, by everyone who knows you. Especially the loaches… ❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
