Support for Baby Emma’s Cancer Battle & Her Family

My heart is heavy as I share the journey of my sweet granddaughter, Emma Kate Helms. Born prematurely in April alongside her twin sister Ava Jordan, Emma has already faced more than most of us do in a lifetime.

Hayden, the loving mother of three—including a one-year-old son Walker—endured a very difficult pregnancy and was diagnosed with preeclampsia, which led to an emergency c-section. Emma was born weighing 5 lbs 6 oz, and Ava at 4 lbs 12 oz. Though both girls seemed stable at first, they soon experienced trouble breathing and feeding, requiring admission to the NICU for oxygen and feeding tubes.

During this already stressful time, Hayden developed an infection in her surgical incision and epidural site, preventing her from being with her newborn daughters and requiring a wound vac and antibiotics.

While in the NICU, a nurse noticed an issue with Emma’s right eye. An MRI revealed a tumor behind her eye. She was quickly life-flighted to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, where she was diagnosed with intermediate neuroblastoma. Emma has since undergone surgery to place a port and has begun chemotherapy, requiring a hospital stay of 10–14 days. We still don’t know how many rounds of treatment she’ll need, but we know the road ahead is long and challenging.

Because Emma and Ava are Mo-Di twins, Ava must also be tested, though we remain hopeful she will be unaffected.

This crisis has made it impossible for James and Hayden to work. With a newborn battling cancer, a second twin needing monitoring, and a toddler at home, the family is navigating not only medical uncertainty but also mounting bills and the emotional toll of long hospital stays—especially with the children’s hospital nearly 2 hours from their home.

We are so grateful for the friends and family who have stepped in to babysit, cook meals, and offer love and support. Now, we are asking for additional help from our extended community to support them financially during this overwhelming time.

Funds raised will help with:

* Medical bills and ongoing treatment

* Travel and lodging expenses related to Emma’s care

* Childcare and support for Walker and twin Ava

* Basic living expenses while James and Hayden are unable to work

Any amount—big or small—means the world to us. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this page to spread the word and lift up this beautiful family during their time of need.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.