Help Support Emma (Haley Family) Fight Childhood Cancer

Hello,

My name is Stephanie and I am raising funds to help support Emma and her family and relieve some of the financial burden that Laura and Mat are about to endure.

My husband Eric and I have been good friends with Laura and Mat for a long time and right now, they are going through something that is every parent’s worst nightmare.

On January 16th, after taking Emma to the hospital for a couple of minor but worrying symptoms, Laura and Mat received shocking and heartbreaking news. Multiple tumours were found in Emma's left kidney and she was diagnosed with a rare type of childhood cancer known as Wilms Tumor.

They were immediately sent to SickKids in Toronto where they were admitted that afternoon, and within 48 hours Emma received her first chemo treatment.

They are facing a long and hard road of chemo treatments, surgery, testing and potential radiation. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of unknowns in regards to prognosis and what the future holds, and all of this weighs heavily on Laura and Mat.

Throughout all of this, Emma has been an absolute warrior and inspiration. This amazing little human has endured so much in the last few weeks and still greets each day with a smile. No matter what she has to face, her bright and beautiful personality shines through.

No 4-year-old should have to go through this but the strength Emma has within her as well as the love and strength from her parents, her sister Clara, friends and community around her will carry her through this hard time.

In order for Emma’s parents (at least one) to be with her around the clock, Laura has stopped working and Mat has cut down his hours drastically. As you can imagine, this will put a big financial strain on their already difficult journey and they shouldn’t have to worry about this on top of everything else. They should be focused on Emma as they navigate this life-changing, stressful and overwhelming time.

The funds will be used to help make up for the loss of income, help with medical expenses and supports that are not covered, help with the expense of constantly commuting to and from SickKids, and any other needs that should arise for Emma.

I know for a lot of you, this news will be shocking and upsetting. If you have any questions, please direct them my way so as not to overwhelm the family. Laura and Mat need to concentrate on being together and being strong for Emma (and their other young daughter Clara).

I will try to post updates whenever I can.

If you are able to donate anything (every little bit helps), it would be greatly appreciated.

If you are able to share this page, it would also be greatly appreciated.

If you are unable to donate but would like to help in another way, please contact me.

Please keep Emma and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

#FightLikeEmma