‘Friends’ Alum Lauren Tom Reveals Daughter Ellie, 25, Has Bone Cancer: ‘Long Journey Ahead of Us’

Friends alum Lauren Tom is opening up about 25-year-old daughter Ellie’s battle with bone cancer.

“I wanted to share some tough news today …” Tom, 64, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, July 19, while sharing several snaps of her daughter. “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 proceeded to share a public thank you to their “friends and family and the incredible doctors and nurses” at Cedars Sinai hospital for their “ongoing boundless support, love, and care.”

“It is truly humbling to see how willing people are to reach out and help,” she wrote. “Ellie is an amazing, deep, sensitive, wise, strong, brave, intelligent, and funny soul. Beautiful inside and out.

She 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? @eliatom_. Thank you so much for reading and for your support. ❤️❤️🏳️&zwj;⚧️.”

Several stars shared their support for Ellie in the comments section, including actor Ken Jeong, who wrote, “Sending all our love and prayers for Ellie. Anything we can do let us know. Love you. ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏.”

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“There is a place for you both in my heart Lauren and Ellie please stay!❤️,” That 70’s Show’s Kurtwood Smith wrote, while Shrinking’s Lilan Bowden added, “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 color is fire, I love it. 💙💜 @eliatom_.”

Tom, who played Ross (David Schwimmer)’s girlfriend Julie during season 2 of Friends, went on to share a supportive message on Ellie’s account.

“You are strong, brave and will recover from this completely to live a beautiful, meaningful life,” Tom wrote in the comments section of her daughter’s most recent Instagram post. “You are so loved, Ellie, by everyone who knows you. Especially the loaches… ❤️❤️❤️❤️.”

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