Parents in a race against time as both diagnosed with advanced cancer

Brooklynites are rallying around a young couple with a toddler who are facing an unimaginable challenge - both parents were diagnosed with advanced cancer in the space of a week.

Friends and family are taking Nathan and Elisa Bond to doctor appointments, watching their 18-month-old daughter, Sadie, and raising money for the battle ahead.

"We're fighting the statistics so we can be here for our daughter," said Nathan, 38, an artist who teaches at Parsons.

Nathan was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer on Valentine's Day and given a 60% chance of surviving five years or more.

He was still reeling from the bad news when Elisa, 36, got the results of a lump on her breast: cancer has spread throughout her body.

Her disease is considered incurable because it's so advanced, and doctors told her she has just a 16% chance of surviving five years.

In spite of the grim prognosis, the Bay Ridge couple's spirits have been buoyed by all the support they are getting - and their love for their little girl.

"I wanted to grow old with my husband and care for our daughter," said Elisa, 36, a real estate agent. "Now I'm just hoping for a miracle."

Elisa, Nathan, and Sadie at their home in Bay Ridge (Rosier/News).

Elisa and Nathan had to take medical leaves from their jobs and see doctors almost every day for chemotherapy that leaves them nauseous and exhausted around the clock.

The couple's close friends have created a Web page that is collecting donations so they can stay afloat financially while fighting for their lives.

"We're here to support Nathan and Elisa any way we can," said Laura Gentles, 36, a public relations executive who has known Elisa since they were freshmen at Vanderbilt University in 1993.

So far the site has raised about $25,000 to help cover living expenses, medical treatment not covered by insurance, transportation and extra child care.

But the couple - who met in 2004 and married in June 2005 - are getting more than money from the site. The encouraging emails from visitors - some perfect strangers who have heard about their plight through friends - helps keep them going.

"Everyone should have a chance to feel this much love once it their lives," said Nathan. "Despite our cancer, we feel very lucky."

To learn more about the Bonds or to make a donation, you can visit the blog, Friends of Nathan and Elisa.