Emmett's fight against LCH!

Our dear friends, Matt and Lauren Marsh have been given the news no parent ever wants to hear. Their goofy, sweet two year old Emmett developed a lump on his head, just like most toddlers do once they learn how to run and jump.

However, Mr. Emmett's lump was not going away. After lots of imaging and meeting with specialty physicians, it was determined Emmett's lump was Langerhans Cell Histiocitosis (LCH). LCH is a rare cancer-like condition. It occurs when the body produces too many Langerhans cells in the skin, lungs, and bone, in particular, but can occur elsewhere in the body as well. These langerhans cells clump together and form tumors called granulomas. LCH can be either single system or multisystem. In Emmett's case, it has been determined that the LCH is not only in his tumor on his head, but also his lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus, making his multisystem. Emmett has already undergone a MRI, CT scan, and PET scan with anesthesia as well as tons of blood work. On April 2nd, Emmett will be undergoing a procedure to biopsy the tumor on his skull, as well as a bone marrow biopsy. After confirmation of the suspected diagnosis, Emmett will undergo outpatient chemotherapy every month for a little over a year. In addition, he will be getting blood work and PET scans throughout chemo to confirm the progress. The hope is that the chemotherapy will help shrink Emmett's head tumor. If it does not, he will undergo a long reconstruction surgery to remove the tumor. This would include plastic surgery, bone graft and a partial cranioplasty due to the size of the tumor and the damage to the skull.

Emmett has a long journey ahead, but we are so confident he will beat this and be strong just like he has been already! Matt and Lauren have another little boy on the way making his arrival in August. To say they have a long stressful journey ahead for both Emmett's medical expenses and a new baby is an understatement. Please consider donating to this amazing family to help with the large unexpected medical expenses that have come their way. Any amount is helpful! Please keep the Marsh family in your prayers! We love you Matt, Lauren, Emmett and baby boy #2!