EMILY  HOLLIS  Our 6-year old cousin gained her "Angel Wings" and lost her battle with Anaplastic Medulloblastoma on April 18, 2008.  A brave little girl that fought with all her might from August 5, 2006 until April 18, 2008.  Her legacy lives on through the work of Emily's Encouragers.  She left behind wonderful visions of a beautiful smile, warm heart and lots of giggles.  Emily's Encouragers will continue to spread awareness about Childhood Cancer through fundraising efforts and participation in the Pender County Relay for Life.  Effective May 3, 2008, Emily's Encouragers was the top fundraising team for this years relay, raising $13,363.00 for the American Cancer Society.  We are determined to find a cure!

CELEBRATE     REMEMBER     FIGHT BACK

WWW.PENDERCOUNTYRFL.COM

                              EMILY'S ENCOURAGERS www.emilyhollis.info

 Shop for Emily's Merchandise at  www.cafepress.com/emilyhollis

Emily had this cancerous brain tumor removed on August 5, 2006 at Duke Medical Center.  A very brave little girl that has remained in Durham, NC since August '06, for up to 6 months, while she undergoes cancer treatments.  Emily has already undergone 6 weeks of daily radiation now being followed by 4 months of chemotherapy at Duke Children's Pediatric Center. Currently she is doing well although she no longer has her blonde hair and is very weak.  She can no longer visit, run or play with her brother or friends but is eagerly anticipating the end of chemotherapy and "COMING HOME" in the early summer.                                                

Medulloblastoma are fast growing tumors that arise between the brain stem and cerebellum.  Emily began having violent headaches during the summer of 2006 and upon visiting the Neurologist and having a CT scan was immediately sent to Duke for surgery.  A tumor half the size of her brain, extending into her spinal cord, was removed during a very long and delicate surgery.  Since then she has had to endure alot of pain, many tests and a constant vigil of Doctors, Nurses, and Physical Therapists working with her. 

A petite, blonde haired, glistening blue eyed little girl with a beautiful smile that will warm your heart!  Emily has an older 7 year old brother here at home in Hampstead and they miss each other very much.  Her parents had to secure a "home away from home" apartment in Durham, very close to the hospital.  She and her Mom reside in the apartment in between chemotherapy treatments, during which time she is hospitalized.  Emily's mom had to leave her job as a Dental Hygienist while her Dad is now able to resume work, on a limited schedule, as a Commercial Sales Specialist with Lowe's.  Emily's Grandparents are diligently helping round the clock with the watch care of her brother and their home, constantly traveling between Hampstead and Durham.

Needless to say, medical expenses can be overwhelming, even with the best planned insurance and financial future.  Those of us here at "home" are trying to help with these expenses.  With that in mind, EMILY'S ENCOURAGERS was formed and a fund set up in Emily's name at Bank of America.  If you would like to contribute to this effort, you may do so through PAYPAL on Emily's website  www.emilyhollis.info or by making your check payable to EMILY'S ENCOURAGERS and mailing it today to:             214-A  N. Topsail Dr.   Surf City,  NC   28445

Please follow Emily's Journey on her website through her updates and be sure to send her a message by signing the Guest Book - she loves for her Mom to read these to her daily!  Cards and notes of encouragement are gladly received on Emily's behalf at our Surf City office and will be delivered to her and her family on a regular basis.  Please feel free to send your encouraging notes to:   214-A  N. Topsail Dr., Surf City,  NC  28445.