My name is Emily and I am creating this for our sweet friends, the Schmitt’s.

Claire’s Update

This past week has completely turned our world upside down. Just days ago, Claire was our normal, happy little girl — playing, smiling, and helping at the coffee trailer. She had been having some headaches, dizziness, and double vision, and after a series of tests, we received news no parent should ever have to hear.

Claire has been diagnosed with a rare and terminal brain tumor called DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma). There are no words to describe how devastating and unfair this is. One week we were worried about school and now we’re trying to wrap our heads around a terminal diagnosis.

We’ll soon be heading home to try to find some sense of “normal” again and soak up every single moment with her. The doctors have told us the average prognosis is about 12 months, and we are doing our best to take things one step, one breath, and one day at a time.

We’ll return to Duke soon to begin radiation treatments — not a cure, but a way to hopefully give us more time with our girl.

This is the hardest thing we’ve ever faced, and we’re still processing, still learning how to navigate this unimaginable road ahead. Please keep Claire and our family in your prayers as we hold on tightly to faith, love, and every precious moment we’re given.

Life is so unfair, but our girl is so loved.