Emma Strong: Levine Family Fund
Donation protected
As many who have been following her journey are aware, Emma Levine was first diagnosed with soft tissue renal sarcoma back in August 2016, a month shy of her 11th birthday. After undergoing a full nephrectomy, Emma underwent 6 months of chemotherapy and 26 radiation treatments.
In November 2017, doctors discovered multiple lung metastasis on each of Emma's lungs. She underwent multiple chemotherapy treatments for yet another 6 months.
In July 2018, Emma was lucky enough to be enrolled in a groundbreaking clinical trial for targeted therapy at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. For 14 months, this "miracle pill" with minimal side effects enabled Emma to live happily and enter her teen years with the ability to attend school with her friends, vacation with family, and enjoy "the small things" with renewed vibrance and vigor. After conquering so much with fortitude and grace, the Emma we all knew and loved was back!
Just recently, in September 2019, the families and all who have been rallying for Emma since her initial diagnosis were devastated to learn that two metastatic tumors were discovered in her cerebellum, the larger one measuring 1.8 cm. Emma underwent surgery to remove that larger mass, which brings us up to date, as she is currently healing in the ICU of Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center while the family awaits pathology reports from their medical team here and in Boston. As of now, her doctors plan for second generation targeted therapy once Emma is healed and anticipate her return to Boston for treatment.
Costs of this horrific disease are crippling to all families of cancer patients emotionally and financially. My brother, Emma's father, Kevin, has been out on long-term disability and unable to return to work at this time. His wife, Emma's stepmother Megan, is juggling her full time job as a nurse with the addition of two small children at home to make ends meet. Megan was taking time off to facilitate Kevin to be able to be with Emma on a daily basis and accompany her to Dana Farber in Boston for her monthly doctor visits. Megan will be out of PTO as of 9/15/19, at which time she will only get paid when she is working, therefore hindering Kevin's ability to continue to be at Emma's side around the clock during this trying time.
The out of pocket expenses are very high and will start all over come January 2020. One can easily imagine the medical bills are already mounting, as Emma is insured under her father's plan, which (along with most plans) does not cover many of the necessary procedures.
To this end we are starting a new fund to support the Levine family during this extremely overwhelming and upsetting time. Any amount you are willing and able to donate is immensely appreciated. Please spread the word to family, friends, and coworkers, and continue to keep Emma Levine in your prayers.
Thank you all very much,
Dave Levine
In November 2017, doctors discovered multiple lung metastasis on each of Emma's lungs. She underwent multiple chemotherapy treatments for yet another 6 months.
In July 2018, Emma was lucky enough to be enrolled in a groundbreaking clinical trial for targeted therapy at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. For 14 months, this "miracle pill" with minimal side effects enabled Emma to live happily and enter her teen years with the ability to attend school with her friends, vacation with family, and enjoy "the small things" with renewed vibrance and vigor. After conquering so much with fortitude and grace, the Emma we all knew and loved was back!
Just recently, in September 2019, the families and all who have been rallying for Emma since her initial diagnosis were devastated to learn that two metastatic tumors were discovered in her cerebellum, the larger one measuring 1.8 cm. Emma underwent surgery to remove that larger mass, which brings us up to date, as she is currently healing in the ICU of Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center while the family awaits pathology reports from their medical team here and in Boston. As of now, her doctors plan for second generation targeted therapy once Emma is healed and anticipate her return to Boston for treatment.
Costs of this horrific disease are crippling to all families of cancer patients emotionally and financially. My brother, Emma's father, Kevin, has been out on long-term disability and unable to return to work at this time. His wife, Emma's stepmother Megan, is juggling her full time job as a nurse with the addition of two small children at home to make ends meet. Megan was taking time off to facilitate Kevin to be able to be with Emma on a daily basis and accompany her to Dana Farber in Boston for her monthly doctor visits. Megan will be out of PTO as of 9/15/19, at which time she will only get paid when she is working, therefore hindering Kevin's ability to continue to be at Emma's side around the clock during this trying time.
The out of pocket expenses are very high and will start all over come January 2020. One can easily imagine the medical bills are already mounting, as Emma is insured under her father's plan, which (along with most plans) does not cover many of the necessary procedures.
To this end we are starting a new fund to support the Levine family during this extremely overwhelming and upsetting time. Any amount you are willing and able to donate is immensely appreciated. Please spread the word to family, friends, and coworkers, and continue to keep Emma Levine in your prayers.
Thank you all very much,
Dave Levine
Organizer
David Levine
Organizer
Lloyd, NY