In 2012, Emma Paulson received news that would change her life forever; she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). After withstanding two and a half years of grueling treatments, Emma “rang the bell” signifying the end of her cancer treatments. However, doctors do not consider leukemia ‘cured’ until it has been in remission for five years.
Following her treatment, Emma felt compelled to provide a sense of healing and hope for other children during the most trying times of their fight against childhood cancer. She established an organization, A Patient Helping Patients, which delivers gift baskets to children undergoing treatments for childhood cancer at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Through her organization, Emma has delivered nearly 3,000 packages. In doing so, she’s formed close bonds with many children, making a point to visit as many little warriors as possible when dropping off her packages.
Emma’s leukemia remained in remission until just weeks before reaching her hallmark, five-year anniversary. This past December, home from college on winter break, Emma underwent routine tests. The results were devastating. Emma’s leukemia relapsed. This time around, in addition to chemotherapy, Emma will require a bone marrow transplant. Instead of simply making a drop off at Children’s Hospital, Emma will continue down the hallway to report for her own treatments.
Understandably, when PAX received a Warrior Grant application from Emma, we were honored to be able to provide her with assistance. She most certainly deserves to be on the receiving end of support provided to a child fighting a cancer diagnosis. Beyond that, this brave and generous warrior girl embodies all things PAX. As the saying goes, “What you put out into the world, always comes back to you.” In Emma’s case – we think it’s safe to say, she has a whole lot of love coming her way.
Life is tough, darling. But so are you.
xoxo
