Donate to Save Emalyn's Precious Heart

Have a heart, and help save Emalyn's!

Emy is my honorary niece. Her dad and I are first cousins, born a week apart, but we've been far more like brothers ever since. His kids all call me uncle, one of the greatest gifts I've been bestowed in this life. Nathan is tough, he's served our country multiple times overseas and countless more on this side of the pond, and in 43 years I've never heard the raw shock and panic he had in his voice when he called me two weeks ago as Emy was being airlifted away.

Emy recently turned 16 years old. She has a sharp wit, a wide smile, a lively spirit, and the kindest of hearts. She should be out driving around with her friends and talking about boys, but now that same innocent heart is under attack. She felt ill for a couple of weeks, just couldn't shake it, got worse rather than better, and after a few quick tests at the ER she was immediately flown to Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis. In a matter of hours, our entire worlds were upended.

There's an inoperable cancerous mass surrounding her heart. She's had surgeries to help drain it, and emergency radiation sessions to try to keep the main vessels flowing, but initial tests can't even determine the type of cancer or a more suitable course of treatment. Doctors around the country are weighing in, the Mayo Clinic is running more conclusive tests, her mom Kaity hasn't left her bedside, Nathan is running himself ragged driving two hours each way almost daily just to try to keep the rest of their family and lives somewhat intact, and all of us around them are praying as if our very own lives depend on it. Please help us in that endeavor, as no one has ever been prayed for too much!

Emy and her family are in for a fight, and they need your help to wage it! No one should ever have to go through this in the first place, and they certainly shouldn't have to spend their last dime and ruin their credit and go into mountains of debt in the process. Sometimes it takes a village, and this is one of those times, so I'm hoping that you can please donate whatever you can to help them through. Every little bit helps! They're losing wages, spending considerably more on food and gas and car maintenance and occasional lodging for Emy's siblings to visit her, and they still have all of their regular bills stacking up back home. I know I wouldn't last long that way. Please help!

I also welcome you to visit the Facebook page titled "Emalyn Grace" for updates on her battle, and to share your support and prayers for her there. Every kind word can help lift a spirit and lighten a load, and this little family has a lot on their shoulders!