Hello! My name is Staci Lundberg and I am a friend of Courtney Haskins! I started this page to help with medical

costs for her daughter Emma. Emma had been having some strange symptoms including frequent headaches and unexplained upper body tremors. After many doctors appointments, Emma was diagnosed in May 2025 with a brain tumor. By the time they found it, it had progressed and grown to the point where it was blocking the cerebral fluid from draining which caused hydrocephalus (water in the brain). They were directed to go get Emma from school

immediately and take her to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN where the medical team would be waiting for them at the ER and admit her. They arrived at Mayo and were immediately admitted. Emma was started on steroids to help with the swelling in her brain. The next day was full of appointments and scans to brain map for a surgery the next day. The surgery would create a new path for fluid to drain and while in there, they would get a tissue sample to decide which treatment would be used. It was immediately explained by pediatric neurosurgeon’s, that because of its location, Emma’s tumor was inoperable and would have to be treated pharmaceutically. During surgery they would attempt to get a good sample to help identify the genetic makeup of her tumor and provide the best options for treatment. The surgery was successful in creating a new path for the fluid to drain and that has continued to function well. Unfortunately, the biopsy was not successful. The Mayo Clinic was unable to get a good genetic makeup up so they sent it out for another lab to try. The second lab was also unsuccessful and then they ran out of the tissue sample. Emma would have to recover and have another surgery to try to get a better sample from the tumor. The summer was spent with many trips to Mayo for appointments, and waiting for the decision of the next surgery date. Late summer, early fall Emma’s next surgery was set for October 2025. This time, they went in from a different angle and the surgery was successful in getting a sample that was able to confirm it was in fact a brain tumor and not just a simple mass (the doctors felt certain it was a tumor, but this provided confirmation) and provided a genetic makeup up of her tumor. Emma’s tumor was positive for mutations that have shown some response to oral chemo drugs. This was good news because she would be able to do this from home, whereas chemo that needed to be adjusted through a port would require travel to Fargo weekly because Bemidji does not have a pediatric neuro oncology. Emma spent the month of November recovering and undergoing a battery of tests at the Mayo to check and get a baseline for neurological function, heart function, ophthalmology etc. On December 13, 2025 Emma began her oral chemotherapy regimen which she does twice a day. So far she has tolerated it pretty well with some bumps in the road that they have been able to work though. She continues to have regular headaches and body tremors. Her oncologist said as long as there is no growth, they will give this regimen at least 6 months before they evaluate whether the tumor is responding in terms of shrinkage. If she does not respond to this, they will then need to look at other options including other chemotherapy which would be adjusted more traditionally, likely in a weekly basis in Fargo for at least a year. The last resort, if all chemo was unsuccessful, would be radiation. Her current regimen, if her tumor responds, will likely be at least 1.5 to 2 years. Emma’s doctors have said this is a marathon not a sprint.

Despite all that is going on in her life, Emma’s faith remains unwavering. A verse that Emma loves and has really held onto during this is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.”

Emma is an 8th grader who loves to read! She also loves basketball and track and is excited for track to start this year, since last season was cut short with her diagnosis and surgery. Emma also loves to be outdoors and play with her dog Finn!

All funds raised will go directly towards uncovered medical expenses, related travel, and other necessary expenses for Courtney and her girls, as they navigate the complexities of Emma’s illness, ongoing treatment, and needs.

They have a long road ahead of them, but hopefully this will help ease some of the financial burden.