Friends Stars Daughter Faces Scary Diagnosis

Actress Lauren Tom has announced the 'tough news' this week that her 'beautiful daughter' Elia, aka Ellie, is suffering from .

Ellie has

Tom, 64, who is beloved by Friends fans as Ross's season two girlfriend Julie, wrote on Instagram that 'my family and I are doing everything we can to aid in her healing.'

Invoking the famous Mr Rogers quote: 'Look for the helpers,' she thanked her friends and relations as well as her daughter's doctors and nurses at Cedars Sinai 'for their ongoing boundless support, love, and care' amid the health crisis.

'Ellie is an amazing, deep, sensitive, wise, strong, brave, intelligent, and funny soul. Beautiful inside and out,' wrote the native.

She requested that readers pray for Ellie and share well-wishes on Instagram, thanked fans for their 'support' and closed her caption with a trans flag.

The Daily Mail has contacted Tom's representative for further comment. 

'It is truly humbling to see how willing people are to reach out and help,' observed Tom, who shares Ellie with her husband of nearly 27 years Curt Kaplan.

'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_,' she added.