by Gayle Johnson
A village without borders has stepped up in support of a beautiful little girl named Emberley, who just this past February, turned 5 years old.
Emberley is a beautiful little girl with long curly hair, eyes that sparkle and a smile that can light up the darkest of days. A happy, healthy, vibrant little girl, energetic and fun loving, she was a whirlwind of energy - until something just didn’t seem right.
This usually active 5 year old with a healthy appetite and a zest for excitement and fun, just didn’t seem like herself. Her Grandparents, Deb and Brian Bolack, described it as ‘green around the gills’ - when she was at her grandparents for a visit, little Emberley had a low grade fever, was pale, felt unwell after she ate and just didn’t have the energy she usually exuded.
Kids are prone to picking up colds and flus and no one thought it was anything more than a seasonal bug, but to be certain, Emberley was taken to her doctor. There was nothing that could have prepared her family for what they were about to be told.
March 8, 2021 was the day a phone call changed the lives of Emberley’s entire family.
Emberley was diagnosed with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
The foundations of her entire family were shaken as they tried desperately to come to terms with what the diagnosis meant.
What followed were blood transfusions, extremely painful spinal taps, bone marrow aspirations, a litany of other tests, and a sinking fear of the unknown.
Within a very short time, Emberley started treatments, which are currently scheduled to continue over the next 2 ½ to 3 years. Her treatments, although life saving, have many side effects. They have caused this precious little girl to lose her mane of thick curly hair, develop extremely painful mouth sores and a litany of other not so pleasant side effects. This extremely brave little girl, even through tears of pain, tries to keep a smile on her face. She is definitely a fighter, and we know she is going to win this battle hands down!
Her first rate care is under the guidance of another village - a village of a variety of medical and mental health professionals who will guide the way to bring Emberley back to health, while also supporting her family, ensuring she lives a long and happy life.
Until Emberley is cured, she and her family have a long and difficult road ahead of them.
This past weekend, Emberley’s grandparents Deb and Brian Bolack of Wawanesa held a huge yard sale, in support of their precious Emberley and the ongoing expenses including travel and other associated costs. An incredible variety of items poured in from well over 20 different households - all in support of little Emberley and her fight.
The turnout for the yardsale was huge!
A fundraising BBQ has been scheduled for August 25th at the Carberry Farmers Market to be held from 5 - 7 p.m.
There is also a September fundraiser in Brandon at Galilee Auto Sales.
Cards and well wishes continue to pour in and prayers abound for this courageous tike and her family.
To see pictures of this gorgeous little girl and read more about her journey back to being a healthy little girl, please check out Team Emberley on FaceBook.
We will be periodically touching base with Emberley’s dad Justin to find out how our little Hero and her family are doing.
Not all heroes wear capes, but Emberley, you are most definitely a HERO to all of us!
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