Many of us look forward to the New Year. With it brings fond memories of the past and great hopes and dreams for the start of a new journey around the sun. Sadly, 2023 is not off to a great start for my dear friend's daughter, Emma MacDonald. At only 23 years old, her fight with cancer begins again. Just a year and a half ago at 21 years old, Emma was diagnosed with a rare and incurable spinal cancer called Multifocal Myxopapilloma Ependymoma and underwent a summer of aggressive radiation treatment at Mass General Hospital. The tumors on her spine responded in that their growth was paused, and the hope was that they would stay that way for a very long time. Once she regained her strength, Emma returned to college and finished her BSN in nursing at the University of New England (May 2022) graduating Magna cum laude.

This is the part I wish I could say – we celebrated and cheered, and she went on to fulfill her dreams of becoming a nurse. But I can’t, because Emma was no longer celebrating a graduation, she was receiving the devastating news that her next chapter was another fight with cancer. Starting in just a few days Emma and Judy will be making weekly trips to Mass General for daily Proton Radiation Therapy. This is a long 6-week treatment with radiation each day. That will be followed by ongoing medication, physical therapy and regular MRIs thereafter.

So here's the scoop. Emma has not been able to start her nursing career and has no income and her mom, Judy, needs to take an unpaid leave from her work as a school counselor to be with Emma and help her through this incredibly difficult time. Their expenses will be many, such as gas, accommodations, food, unpaid medical expenses and more. As a single mother with no extended family, this burden is great and it adds significant stress to an already unbearable situation.

What can WE DO?

Let's relieve some of the financial pressure. Give what you can. Then come back later and give some more because the impact of Emma’s cancer will not be over quickly. Remember, every bit helps.

** If you would like to donate in a different way, please reach out directly to Carson or Kaz via facebook messenger or the contact link below.

Please SHARE her story. Post this link on social media and let people know how you know Emma and Judy and why you care.

Let’s #PleaseLoveEmmaGrace