Empowering Emi to Fight Neuroblastoma

When the unimaginable happens, we look to our community for help and together we ask that you join us on our journey of EMPOWERING EMI.

In early February 2023, Emilia (Emi) started showing an increase in concerning signs and symptoms - hip pain, low-grade fevers and overall changes in the demeanor of our happy little girl. These red flags brought us to countless doctors’ appointments and an ER visit. After a long series of tests and still no answers, we were admitted for an overnight stay. Doctors and nurses assured us she was fine and would be walking out of the hospital soon.

Unfortunately, on February 21, 2023, Emi’s MRI results told us something different. “They found a mass on the scan and the oncologist team will be in with you shortly.” Devastation, sadness, and panic all set in quickly and we knew in that moment our lives would be changed forever. However, the fear rose when after speaking with the oncology team we learned that Emi became that 1 in 800 children a year who are diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. More testing revealed that in addition to the mass, cancer has also spread to her bone marrow and lungs making her Neuroblastoma Stage IV High Risk.

Emi will begin treatment this week and over the next 15-18 months have multiple cycles of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries. She will require intermitted hospital stays and extensive care.

This journey is one no parent ever imagines themselves on, but Melissa and David are prepared to do everything it takes for Emi to be cancer free. It is going to be a long, hard, and challenging journey for our girl but with her dad’s thick skull, mom's Italian stubbornness, and the amazing village of people already supporting her, we are hopeful she has the fight and determination in her to get through this!

How support/funds raised will help Emi's family:

They are fortunate to have insurance, which will help; however, the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum are high. Additionally, it is unclear how much of the treatment plan will be covered by insurance, and both Melissa and David will have to take some unpaid time off throughout treatment through Family Medical Leave policies.

Funds raised will first be used to pay for Emi’s medical bills. Then, any remaining funds will be used to support their expenses from travel/lodging in various cities during treatment. The ultimate goal is to provide some financial relief to the Lun Family so they can focus all their time, strength and energy on Emi’s treatment and worry less about how they will pay for it or stay on top of their regular bills, mortgage, and expenses.

On behalf of the Lun Family, we are grateful for all your prayers and any support you can provide. Thank you for Empowering Emi to fight Neuroblastoma!