Emma Grace Smith

Emma was 9 years old when she diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour on 1st October 2012. Since then she has been courageously fighting the cancer, undertaken a number of operations, and undergoing extensive radiation therapy and chemotherapy. This fundraising appeal is to provide for medical and general living expenses for Emma and her family, who since October have had no income other than charitable works and donations.

Emma's father, Darrell, was working abroad in Asia when he received a telephone call that Emma had been rushed by helicopter to BC Children's Hospital (BCCH) in Vancouver. He was told of her diagnosis, and tried to make arrangements to fly back to Canada as soon as he could. Arriving a day later, Emma had already had the first of her brain operations to relieve the pressure of fluid on her head and eyes caused by the tumour. A second operation followed a few days later to try to remove the tumour surgically. Between 30-50% of the cancer was removed. Darrell has not worked since the diagnosis as working abroad on ships is not viable considering Emma's condition.

After a short period of recuperation from the brain operations Emma started a six week course of head and spine radiation therapy at the BC Cancer Agency in Vancouver. Emma coped very well with the extremely harsh treatment.

Another break for six weeks after the radiation therapy, thankfully over the Christmas holiday period, saw Emma start a six cycle course of chemotherapy through BCCH. Emma has found it increasingly problematical in recovering from each chemo cycle to the extent that her counts have been suitable for the following cycle, thereby prolonging the treatment.

Unable to work since the beginning of October 2012, when Emma was diagnosed, the family have relied heavily on donations to Emma's fund mainly through local fundraising by friends to keep them afloat. The family continues to rely on donations but with fast diminishing funds it is unfortunately becoming more likely that working abroad will be necessary before Emma is well again.

Giving Back

Emma and her family have stayed at Ronald McDonald House BC in Vancouver for long and short periods during Emma's hospitalisation and treatments. Emma was asked to appear as the subject of an appeal for fundraising for the new RMH being built in Vancouver, a request she readily accepted as RMH has helped the family so much. As a result Emma appears on posters in many BC bus shelters, and also on an advertisement on television: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CCiJMCGS1c

How You Can Help

Any donations received will go towards medical expenses and keeping a roof over Emma's head while the family is unable to earn an income, and will be very gratefully appreciated.

Many thanks!

Emma, Charlie, Diane, and Darrell Smith