Written with love by a close family friend

I want to tell you about my dear friend Kristina’s little boy, Emmett.

Emmett is 5 years old—funny, bright, full of life and energy. He loves hockey, basketball, racing his bike, and jumping on the trampoline with his big brother, Arlo. He’s the kind of child who brings joy wherever he goes—quick with a joke, a hug, or a sparkle in his eye.

But earlier this spring, things started to change.

Emmett began complaining that his legs hurt after walking to and from the school bus. At first, it seemed like growing pains or one of his classic pranks—he’s always been playful. But the pain didn’t go away. It grew worse. After a hockey game where he took a fall, the pain became so intense he could barely move.

Within weeks, this active little boy stopped walking entirely. He started scooting around on his bum, sitting on the trampoline instead of bouncing, and asking his dad, Terry, to carry him up the stairs instead of racing Arlo like he used to.

Still, no one had answers.

An urgent care visit. A normal X-ray. Then a trip to South Health Campus, where thankfully a pediatrician took things seriously and ordered an MRI. That led them to the Alberta Children’s Hospital on July 2—and they’ve been in the hospital ever since, with the exception of a short 36-hour window at home.

Emmett has undergone endless testing—MRIs, bloodwork, a spinal tap, a bone marrow biopsy, and a bone scraping. At one point, doctors feared it might be leukemia. Praise God, they ruled that out. But despite everything, they still don’t have a diagnosis.

What they do know is that Emmett has painful bone lesions on his pelvis, femur, and humerus. His pain is daily, unpredictable, and at times excruciating. And without a diagnosis, treatment is a painful process of trial and error.

Kristina has not left his side. She’s been up at the hospital with Emmett every single day. That means she hasn’t been able to work. Terry is doing everything he can to hold things together at home for Arlo, while managing the weight of the unknown and trying to stay strong for everyone.

They’ve now been in the hospital for nearly a full month, with no real end in sight.

How You Can Help

A lot of people have asked, “How can we help?” And honestly, that’s why this page was created.

Kristina and her family are not the type to ask for help—but right now, they need it. This GoFundMe is to help lighten the financial burden of everything they’re facing, so Kristina and Terry can stay focused on what matters most: helping Emmett heal, supporting Arlo, and holding their family together through this storm.

Your donation, no matter how small, will help cover the practical things:

• Travel and parking costs

• Meals and hospital-related expenses

• Medication and treatments

• Lost income while Kristina stays at the hospital

• Ongoing outpatient visits and future unknowns

But even more than that, your support is a tangible reminder that they’re not walking this road alone.

They are leaning into their faith, holding onto hope, and trusting that answers will come. Through all the pain and uncertainty, God has been so good to them—surrounding their family with strength, comfort, and community.

They are humbled and beyond grateful for every prayer whispered, every message sent, every meal dropped off, and every kind gesture along the way. Your love has made this heavy road feel a little lighter.

If you can give, pray, or simply share Emmett’s story—it would mean the world.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for loving this beautiful family.

With gratitude,

A friend who loves them dearly

#TeamEmmett #OurLittleWarrior #PrayersForEmmett #SupportForKristinaAndTerry