From his family and supporters:

Just over a year ago, Emile, a young, active 49-year-old, found out the most devastating news. He had been suffering increasingly agonizing back pains, and his legs had started to give out on him periodically, resulting in a few embarrassing falls, and one night, hospitalization. We were informed that the lack of mobility and immense pain was due to lesions that had expanded in his back and were compressing his spinal cord. He was immediately transported to another hospital where an emergency surgery was performed to prevent further damage and permanent paralysis. Doctors confirmed prostate cancer had metastasized(spread) to his spine and throughout. The diagnosis was hormone naive prostate cancer with a prognosis of 36 to 60 months.

Although Emile has yet to regain full feeling from his ribs down, and still experiences challenges maneuvering around, he is adamant about re-learning how to walk without the aid of wheelchair or walker. We have entered month 14 and the struggle is real.

Due to stairs and additional accommodation and accessibility needs, Emile was forced to move out of his previous home. He is no longer employed, and covering expenses has become challenging. Not only does he need neurological rehabilitation, but Emile also needs nerve treatments to decrease the daily pain he suffers. Those treatments are not covered by insurance. Increased medical issues have arisen because of the numerous medications required to fight this disease. We have researched institutes that treat individuals with advanced cancers, and he is willing to pursue those options. In home care and alternative therapies are also being sought. The costs associated are very expensive.

Our goal is to help Emile fund the care he needs and deserves while bringing awareness to the disease. Emile has been an inspiration to many, not in only the basketball world but within his spiritual community and beyond. This diagnosis has hit us all very hard. With your love and support, we can help Emile manage his pain, seek neurological and nerve treatment, and give him the relief he desperately seeks. A warrior in his spirituality and relentless love of life has kept his spirits high, which is a blessing within itself.

Emile expressed he doesn’t want anyone to suffer or deal with even half of what he has been, and is, going through if they don’t have to. He wants to spread awareness about prostate cancer prevention and early detection. This is very dear to his heart. If we can aid in Emile's comfort and bring as many smiles to him as he has provided us, we will be accomplishing our goals. We have all witnessed Emile dropping whatever he’s doing, just to help someone in a time of need. He has blessed our lives in many ways and has so much more to give. Please help. We want him here, in considerably less pain, and as joyful as possible, for as long as possible.

With sincere appreciation, thanks, and gratitude,

Veeda, Velaida and Team E-Shep

(Mom, sister, siblings and supporters)