A PERSONAL LETTER FROM ELAINE:

My name is Elaine Gjonovich.  

I am a mother, grandmother and wife.  I have been in the health and fitness industry for over 20 years. I started in Laguna Niguel as a personal trainer. In 1991 I went back to college to complete an exercise specialist certification.

I pursued another certification through American Council of Exercise, then another as a Medical Exercise Specialist through American Association of Health and Fitness Professionals. My love of health and wellness through exercise and proper nutrition caught on in the community. 

In June I went in for a routine thyroid blood draw; high alkaline phosphatase levels were found instead..... by mid August, I was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma. I had major surgery on September 18, 2010 to remove the tumor and 1/2 of the liver. Dr. Imagawa was unable to complete the surgery as he found too many infected lymphnodes. I had my gall bladder removed as a precautionary treatment. I began aggressive chemotherapy on September 27, 2010 and have been doing so ever since. I go in for treatment every week for three weeks, then I have one week off. The goal is to shrink the tumor, or completely dissolve it through chemotherapy and to stop and dissolve the infected lympnodes from spreading. On December 27, I will have another MRI to find out my progress. I am hopeful and faith-filled that things have gone the right direction. Based upon the findings, the surgeon's plan is to perform another surgery. My hope is in the Lord and I have much peace about my present situation.  

I have always been responsible, a hard worker and faithful to my commitments. This season has been very different and I'm not use to postponing payments because I'm not able to fulfill them. Thank you for taking time to read my story and offer any assistance available. 

God Bless, 

Elaine