Stories of Hope
EMILIE - Smiles through Life
Born June 19, 2003 in Austin, Texas, Emilie has always had a happy, smiley disposition. She is very energetic and curious...full of life. So it was obvious that something wasn't quite right around Easter 2008. Emilie no longer wanted to do the things that she loved doing. She didn't want ride her bike, or run, or play. She was very tired and pale. She started to limp. We took her in to the doctor a couple of times, but the cause of her limping and listlessness was not found.
On her fifth birthday (June 19, 2008) Emilie woke up with a nosebleed that wouldn't stop. Two days later, she had petichiae (little blood spots) across her chest. As parents, you know when something is very wrong with your child. We began to call doctors immediately and wound up in the Emergency Department at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. On June 22, 2008, our worst fears were confirmed. Emilie had leukemia.
In the days following her diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Emilie was started on a chemotherapy regimen and given a good prognosis. She tolerated treatment fairly well until she was diagnosed with avascular necrosis (the death of bone) in her shoulders. This is a side effect of the steroid treatments Emilie was taking to help her beat cancer. Emilie had surgery to restore range of motion and to eliminate the pain in her shoulders.
In October 2010, Emilie will complete her treatment regimen. She has been through so much and we are almost near the end of this battle. Emilie has maintained her happy-go-lucky attitude throughout this fight and has inspired us all.
She is currently back in school full-time. She loves ballet and skiing...and life. We are so proud of her.
Signed,
Emilie's Parents
