Ellaina Ray has lived a life unlike many her age. As a 15 year old student at Madison Southern, Ellaina enjoys school with her favorite subjects being science, math, and art and she also takes part in ROTC. We say her life is unlike many her age because she has unfortunately dealt with many physical and mental health conditions. In November of last year she experienced a Appendicitis that led to a diagnosis of childhood cancer. Along with that she also battles with autism(level 2), sensory processing disorder, anxiety, ADHD, depression, and learning abilities.
In regards to her cancer diagnosis last year it was found that Ellaina had a Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Tumor on her Appendix, which is a rare type of cancer that makes up for less than 5% of all cancers, and is even rarer in pediatric patients. This type of cancer releases hormones into the body which causes many different symptoms such as acid reflux, migraines, weigh fluctuations, fatigue, etc. Despite this, Ellaina maintained a very positive outlook as she faced this dreadful diagnosis and navigated through it- she continued to try to push through to attend school as much as she was able, to continue the classes she has came to love (Especially her AP Biology course).
Ellaina recently entered a contest called America’s Favorite Student, in hopes of winning to be blessed with meeting a public figure many of us (including her) came to know and love in our childhood: the renowned Bill Nye The Science Guy. The contest would also allow the winner to tour the Planetary Society, and a cash prize of $20,000. If Ellaina were to win this contest, she is wanting to spend the prize on a 3d printer, art supplies, she (health willing/cooperating) is also wanting a chance to do a study abroad in another country as a foreign exchange student. The rest she says she would save for college courses once she graduates high school.
The voting is 1 free vote every 24 hours, or additional votes can be purchased (the proceeds go directly to the Planetary Society).
