Maryland Husband, Wife Battle Back-To-Back Cancer Diagnosis

MARYLAND — One Maryland couple has found statistics on the rate of cancer cases in the U.S. hit close to home. There will be an estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases diagnosed in 2022, according to the American Cancer Society.

Jason Ellis, 47, and Shauna Ellis, 43, of Fort Washington, have been married for more than a decade. They've gone through many things together, but they never expected cancer to be one of them.

During the pandemic, Shauna told NBC 15 she skipped her annual mammogram. She was ultimately diagnosed with breast cancer.

“It blindsided me, and it was really hard for me," she told the TV station.

But things only got harder. She said her diagnosis led to her having two reconstruction surgeries, with the last one taking place on Feb. 14, 2022. Two days after her final surgery, her husband was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer during a scheduled colonoscopy.

"On March 9th, I had surgery at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington DC to remove a mass, but the doctor was unable to remove all the cancer from my colon. Therefore, I began chemotherapy on April 19, 2022," he posted to the couple's GoFundMe account.

For the last 10 years, Jason has worked for United Parcel Service. However, because of his cancer diagnosis, he said he's been unable to work and provide for his wife and two children. He recently launched an online fundraiser to help cover their household and medical expenses.

"Due to my health, I have not been able to work since March of 2022. Since I am the primary provider in our home, it has impacted my children and wife emotionally and put a strain on our daily expenses," he said. "I have requested assistance from agencies and creditors with negative results. It has become a financial burden at this point which could potentially cause a foreclosure on my home."

As of Monday, the couple's GoFundMe page has raised a little more than $16,000 from 284 donors. Jason said they are grateful for the support as he and his wife work to regain their health and kick cancer's butt.

"My wife and I are overwhelmed with the love and support from everyone," he said. "We are doing well and are beginning to pick up the pieces. We definitely feel the love."

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor or other health care professional about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.

Adults age 45 to 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer, the CDC said.

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