Emily (pictured) was diagnosed with leukemia when she was only 18 months old. In the first year alone, she received 35 blood components. Emily is wearing her beads of courage, common in hospitals throughout the country. Young patients get a bead for every procedure they undergo.
The youngest of five, Emily had so much energy prior to her diagnosis that her mom said they needed two babysitters—one for Emily and one for the rest of the pack! One of her early cancer symptoms was extreme fatigue. Thankfully, Emily’s energy returned after treatment. She continues to infuse the world with vitality, spunk and laughter.
“I want people to know about the life-giving nature of blood,” Emily’s mom, Christina, said. “For those like Emily who are ill, tired or short of breath, it’s amazing what a little bit of blood can do.”
One in 285 children living in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday. Because of you, life doesn’t stop for people like Emily. Thank you for your extraordinary act of kindness.