For the first nine months of her life, Emma Neu was a healthy, happy baby girl. She ate well, achieved all her milestones and brought joy to everyone she encountered — especially her parents, Courtney and Trent.
Then, out of nowhere, things changed.
“Everything about Emma’s life was normal until one afternoon when she woke up from a nap with a swollen eye and a lump on her right temple,” Emma’s mom, Courtney, said. “Initially, we thought it was maybe allergies.”
Over the next five days, Courtney and Trent sought medical advice. Then, Emma developed a low-grade fever. After a trip to the emergency room, doctors ordered a CT scan followed by additional testing. From there, doctors gave Courtney and Trent the heartbreaking news: Emma had a rare and aggressive form of acute myeloid leukemia.
In that instant, the Neu family’s world turned upside down.
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It felt unreal. I wished I could put myself in Emma’s place. We just had to put our trust in our team of doctors and put our faith in God.
Emma’s Dad
Emma’s diagnosis marked the beginning of a complex and difficult cancer journey that has spanned more than two years. Through it all though, the Neu family has never walked alone thanks to expert and compassionate caregivers, lifesaving treatments and meaningful programs fueled by philanthropy.
Emma’s Story
During the course of her cancer journey, Emma endured two bone marrow transplants, months of chemotherapy, countless procedures and too many setbacks to count. Days became weeks and weeks turned into months, but Emma’s spirit refused to dim, thanks in part to kid-friendly touches throughout Sanford Children’s Hospital and programs like Child Life, which helps ease the fear and anxiety of kids who are hospitalized through education and therapeutic play.
“From the animal paintings on the walls to the colorful ceiling tiles, the push car, kid-sized doors, PT Dan, the nurses, the Child Life staff and so much more, the Castle of Care wrapped around us in every way possible,” Courtney said.
“We pray no parent has to experience this,” Trent said. “But we couldn’t be more thankful. Having a facility like Sanford Children’s so close to home has been so beneficial.”
Today, sweet Emma is a happy 3-year-old who loves animals, singing and dancing. While she still visits Sanford Children’s Hospital weekly for maintenance chemotherapy, food therapy and physical therapy, her cancer is in remission and her future looks bright.
Give for Hope
This year across our region, dozens of kids like Emma will face a pediatric cancer diagnosis. With your support, we can make every step of their cancer journeys easier. 100% of your gift will support important programs and services like these:
- Child Life, school tutoring and spiritual care — all of which is provided at no cost to families
- Financial assistance to help families with meals, mileage, lodging and other costs not covered by insurance
- Equipment just for kids like a CT scanner decorated like an undersea adventure and Freddie, a cheerful firetruck who doubles as a portable X-ray machine
- Child-sized chemotherapy chairs and playrooms filled with toys, books and more
GIVE FOR CHILDREN