Lauren Tom, the 64-year-old actress best known for playing Julie on Friends and starring in The Joy Luck Club, has revealed that her 25-year-old daughter Ellie has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Tom shared the news in an emotional Instagram post, asking fans to keep Ellie in their thoughts.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Osteosarcoma is a rare bone cancer that most commonly develops in the arms or legs. Treatment typically involves chemotherapy and surgery, and may require amputation depending on the disease's progression. Tom did not disclose Ellie's prognosis but acknowledged a long journey ahead.
Support and Gratitude
In her post, Tom expressed gratitude for the support from family, friends, and the medical team at Cedars-Sinai. She quoted Fred Rogers: '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 'our friends and family, and the incredible doctors and nurses at Cedars-Sinai for their ongoing boundless support, love, and care.'
Appeal for Prayers
Tom appealed to followers to keep Ellie in their prayers and leave encouraging messages. She described Ellie as 'amazing, deep, sensitive, wise, strong, brave, intelligent, and funny soul. Beautiful inside and out.' Tom also commented on Ellie's Instagram: 'You are strong, brave and will recover from this completely to live a beautiful, meaningful life. You are so loved, Ellie, by everyone who knows you.'
Lauren Tom's Career
Tom is widely recognized for her role as Julie, Ross Geller's girlfriend on Friends, and for her performance in the acclaimed 1993 film The Joy Luck Club. She has had a prolific career in television, film, and voice acting.
Fans have flooded Tom's post with messages of love and support, wishing Ellie strength as she begins treatment.
