Strength, Courage, and Bravery are words that might seem a little premature to associate with a 3-year-old. However, these are terms that our precious daughter Emilia (Emi) has been forced to embrace as she is battling the biggest fight of her life, a battle against Neuroblastoma (NB).

Life seemed normal for a while. We were thankful for our simple pleasures, this seemingly healthy child, followed by each milestone that came and went. However, signs began to quickly show themselves that something wasn’t right. After a period of time when playing or any movement became difficult and painful, we embarked on the task of finding answers. Days, weeks would go by with consistent doctors’ visits, a long weekend in the hospital, back and forth with specialists, until eventually we were given the diagnosis of cancer days before her third birthday.

February 21, 2023 was the end of the old, and the start of a new journey for Emi. The day she was diagnosed with Stage IV, High Risk Neuroblastoma. A rare and aggressive form of cancer that originated in her right adrenal gland, eventually metastasizing throughout her body and into her bone marrow. Scans and a biopsy would detail the extent of the disease, leaving us as parents devastated and lost in a world we knew nothing about.

Feeling hopeless and adrift, and frankly sad for Emi and ourselves, we began to pull it together. We knew that in order to give Emi the best chance to survive this disease we needed to educate ourselves and advocate for her wellbeing. Our path would eventually lead us to Dr. Kushner, Dr. Modak and their colleagues, and the work they are leading at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC).

Emi has been thrown into a world that no child should ever have to go through. A world that without guidance can be dark and lonely, stealing the innocence that defines a childhood. However, like so many of her favorite Disney Princesses she arises to these challenges with grace and dignity. Never wavering in her demeanor or curiosity. Much like the supporting character that guides the princess through her journey, the steady hand of MSKCC helps to navigate these treacherous waters, providing the guidance that is necessary for a fighting chance against NB.

Currently Emi is in active treatment, each day getting stronger to face the next challenge in overcoming cancer. As parents, we fight alongside children like Emi, the children that have come before, and those who someday will have a similar life-altering journey. This is why organizations like Band of Parents are so important. By donating to this non-profit, you’re helping to fund innovative research, ground-breaking and life-saving therapies. Treatments like the ones Emi is receiving today at MSKCC. Therapies like these have helped to increase survival rates for NB patients. Giving hope to patients and families when often it seems there is little.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for Empowering Emi, for the fight against neuroblastoma, and supporting other NB warriors through the Band of Parents. We love you all!

Emilia Lun Fundraiser