Ellen Stello

With no prior health concerns or family history, my mom’s diagnosis was certainly a surprise. As a freshman last year, my mom was battling breast cancer as our fundraiser was in full swing. To join a team that has a bigger vision of the world, outside of our college existence, is truly an exceptional thing. To watch my mother fight with strength and an unwillingness to accept anything but a healthy outcome, was amazing. She took a very selfless approach to her diagnosis and focused on being positive. Fortunately, my mother has been cancer free for a year now. I believe that her motherly instincts took complete control during this time period, as she worried more about my reaction and feelings than her own internal concern. Although the number of women that battle breast cancer is constantly increasing, the care and treatment for it is increasing just as quickly. The key is to catch it in the early stages, like my mom did, so that doctors can do their job. By supporting breast cancer research, we help save lives everyday. To watch my mom through this testimonial point in her life gave me confidence in my life to face just about anything and I thank her for that. During this year’s fundraiser, I will be celebrating what breast cancer research has done for my family.

Ellen Stello-NU Women's Swim Team, Class of 2016