Emma’s childhood has not been like most other little girls. Diagnosed with neuroblastoma in August 2011 when she was just 11 months old, Emma has since completed 8 cycles of chemotherapy and undergone major surgery to remove the large tumor that was wrapped around her right kidney. This month marks the two-year anniversary since Emma’s last treatment. But her most recent scan showed four cancerous lesions on her liver. There will soon be more tests to determine the next course of action.
In spite of the circumstances, doctors remain optimistic and Emma continues to carry the glow of her strong and loving spirit. Emma and her family recently visited Disney for a week, a dream trip provided by Dreams Come True, the Jacksonville-based nonprofit dedicated to granting dreams for children with life- threatening illness. Hallmark Co-founder and Principal Jeff Conn, who serves on the board of Dreams Come True, followed-up Emma’s Disney trip by inviting Emma to be Hallmark’s ‘Dreamer’ in the inaugural Dream Day Campaign.
Hallmark has set a goal of raising $5,000 that will be matched by Mac Papers (in fact, Mac will match up to $250,000). The fundraising effort was launched this week with a ‘Princess Ice Cream Party’ at Hallmark’s corporate offices. Special kudos go to Hallmark’s Janine King and Rhonda Nesbitt who volunteered to serve as princess hosts in honor of Emma. It was a wonderful and emotional afternoon and a reminder to all of what is most important.
