This past week, a Sloatsburg college student took a private family medical matter public with a plea for thoughts, love and a helping hand.

Donation jars have been set out a Haywards Deli and Stone Meadow Inn in Sloatsburg if you’d like to help out the Stella family with any spare change. Every bit counts.

“My parents, who wouldn’t ask anyone to spare a penny on them, are some of the hardest working people I know and I am fortunate every single day to have them,” wrote Jillian Stella in a loving letter for the Go Fund Me drive she started in support of mother Elona.

In December, Elona Stella was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, underwent a mastectomy and was waiting to begin additional chemo and radiation treatment.

But, according to Jillian, a junior at SUNY, her mother continued to complain about persistent pain and a general inability to move around well.

The diagnosis came back as acute myeloid leukemia. 

Now Elona must undergo intensive treatment at a Manhattan hospital. Jillian sees the pressure her dad and family are under and wanted to reach out to the wider community for support.

Many Sloatsburgers know the Stellas. And there’s already been a very positive response to Jillian’s GoFund drive to relieve some of the family’s financial stress.

This is an opportunity to help out. Where a little really does go a long way.