Emmalee is a smart, hard-working, resilient 12-year-old fighter! I have had the pleasure of getting to know her as her 5th grade Science Teacher (briefly), Assistant Principal, and Principal at different times of our relationship. Her dad and I are also members of the administration team together at her school. At Virtus Academy, we are a family, and Emmalee is a part of that family. As Abuelita says in Coco, "Being a part of this family means you are here for this family," and that is what we are asking you all to help us do. We want to "be there" for Emmalee and her family in meaningful ways.
Emmalee's medical journey started as a 7-year-old on June 20, 2017, when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Prior to her diagnosis, she began running a low-grade fever that wouldn't go away for weeks. After she started complaining of hip pain that grew intense, her mom and dad took her to the ER. This first trip didn't provide any results, and the pain began to become so intense that 7-year-old Emmalee wouldn't let anyone touch her and she couldn't walk. Off they went to the ER once again. At this trip, test results showed that her bone marrow had basically cracked her hip and the leukemia was detectable.
During the first month of treatment, she battled pain and typhlitis (rupturing of the stomach and intestines), and could not eat or drink. She had a port implant for direct bloodstream infusions of chemotherapy, medication, and fluids, and a pic line during her battle with typhlitis. Her treatment continued through eight months of intense chemotherapy, which included infusions, at-home shots, weeks in the hospital, and chemotherapy by mouth. After her intense treatment period, Emmalee moved into maintenance chemotherapy for about 20 months, which included over 100 visits to the Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders for labs, chemo, and refills of at-home chemotherapy.
During her first battle with leukemia, Emmalee had to be homebound for her entire 3rd-grade year to ensure her health due to her compromised immune system. The family is extremely grateful to her homebound teacher, Ms. Davis. "On a bright note, she managed to complete 3rd grade with the help of an amazing teacher from Lucy T. Davis Elementary School, named Mrs. Davis. Mrs. Davis came to our house several times a week and taught, administered tests, and dealt with many bad days of treatment to make sure Emma succeeded," shared David Pierce, Emmalee's father. "Also, Emma had a great opportunity to stay in shape with the help of Mrs. Veronica Robertson of Flowtown Yoga. Mrs. Veronica donated many hours of yoga instruction, both in our home and in her studio for private lessons," he continued.
Emmalee was in remission for four years, living a perfectly happy life, until July of 2021, when leukemia decided to return and challenge her once more. The most recent news is proving to be a big blow for her emotionally and physically. She is a middle school student now. Beginning the school year in the hospital, instead of with her friends, is a tough feat for any pre-teen. Fortunately, Emmalee has a never-quit attitude and she knows she can beat leukemia again. Her treatment may be different this time around, but the goal is still the same.
Emmalee is an exceptional child! To help everyone visualize the extent of our amazement and adoration, I'd like to share a little story. Emmalee wanted to give back in gratitude to those who helped her. She decided to create a Relay for Life team to help raise money for the cause. In 2018 and 2019, "Team Emmalee" raised money with the leadership of our favorite fighter. Emmalee took this task to heart, and began selling her very own chicken eggs, and donated over $700 by herself over the course of three Relay for Life events. She plans to continue this donation trend to help find a cure.
I, too, am a cancer survivor. Because of a physical deformity that cancer left behind, I always talked openly about the subject with my middle school students. Each year, I'd ask them if they ever knew anyone who had cancer, and hands would shoot up in their air all over the place. Cancer affects us all! Even children can see that. It may influence everyone's life differently, but we can work together to support those whose lives have been halted by the devastating news. Imagine with me for a moment that you are a parent and you are sitting in front of a doctor with your child who has just been poked and prodded. The doctor says, "We are pretty confident that the cancer is back." Try to put yourselves in their seats for a moment. It is hard to imagine unless you have experienced it personally. I know all too well the pain and stress that cancer can leave in its wake. Please join me in supporting this awesome girl and her fun, hard-working family to help alleviate some of this stress.
How can you help? Financial stress is a huge concern at the moment. Emmalee's parents are traveling back-and-forth from Columbia and, eventually, Charleston to Florence and spend a lot of time out of work. We can support them financially. Do you know the family personally? They are in need of gas cards, restaurant gift cards, and lots and lots of prayers! It may also be helpful if there is someone with a landscaping company or just a neighbor with a lawnmower help with yard work while David and Lisa travel, work, and care for their daughter. Emmalee's treatment will eventually lead them to an extended stay at MUSC in Charleston. Do you know someone with available space to help her parents with overnight stays?
I am also asking that those of us who know and love the Pierce family personally to go beyond needs and help supply some 'wants,' as well. Emmalee's sister, Alexis, will be tested to see if she can be a bone marrow donor. She needs our support, as well. Alexis enjoys art, specifically COPIC markers, her nan fish tank (PETCO or PetSmart gift cards), and candy. Emmalee has an Amazon tablet. Because she will be spending most of her time for the foreseeable future in bed, we can provide her with Amazon or Kindle gift cards to assist with passing the time. She also loves dark chocolate, Ferrero Rocher chocolates, animals, art, and nail polish. When her parents ask Emmalee what she wants, she simply says that she just wants to see her friends. I think this is something every pre-teen wants, and our girl is a long way from joining them face-to-face again.
Thank you to everyone who took time out of their days to read Emmalee's story. I can't stress enough how much we all love this girl! Also, thank you to everyone who joins our efforts through prayer, financial assistance, and more.