In mid-late March of 2025, Emmitt (who was 5 years old at the time) was in the midst of soccer season and began to complain about his legs hurting.  We initially assumed it was growing pains or sports and activity fatigue. After a couple weeks with on and off days of aching and a few long nights of leg rubbing due to “breakthrough pain”, the severity increased to the point of wanting to be carried versus walking.  A couple pediatrician visits, blood work (which came back normal) and an ultrasound of an area of localized pain, lead to the discovery of an effusion (fluid buildup) in his left interior hip area.  This sent us through the back hallways of Children’s Nebraska radiology department straight to ED for emergency surgery to drain and test the fluid for bacteria.  We had an answer for the pain and a solution that seemed quick to resolve.  Little did we know, while in the OR, further imaging detected suspicious readings that sent us once again through the back hallways from post-op to the HEMOC floor.  By the afternoon of the very next day we were given Emmitt’s cancer diagnosis, Leukemia. Two days later he was back in surgery for his first of several lumbar punctures with intrathecal chemo along with his port placement.  Emmitt’s start to his cancer fight was rough! His situation was compounded with surgery recovery, pain management, PT, introduction to chemo and about 6 oral medications three times a day for pain and antibiotics.  Inevitably, Emmitt needed an NG tube, which he would have for the first 2 months of treatment, solely for getting his oral medications down.  We have since been extremely blessed and feel very grateful to have had minimal side effects or setbacks throughout his courageous fight. We continue to look at Emmitt, who just turned 7 years old, with absolute awe and astonishment at his courage and strength through this first year of his 2.5-year battle.   

We have felt almost unworthy of the support AAU has provided our family.  For an entire year, AAU generously contributed towards our monthly mortgage payments.  This assistance alone gave our family mental space to focus on Emmitt’s medical needs.  AAU’s Christmas party with Fusion was such an amazing event for our kids and all the other families. The staff behind AAU really understand the needs of families in the thick of battles.  They have offered us so many opportunities to learn, grieve, and socialize with a community that can relate with our battles.