Three-year-old Emelia was diagnosed with stage three Wilms Tumor—a rare kidney cancer—in 2023. Her journey began with what seemed like a simple stomachache one night, but it quickly turned into something much more serious. Today, Emelia is in maintenance treatment and under close observation due to a rare genetic mutation that increases her risk of relapse.
Over the past year, Emelia has endured chemotherapy, radiation, the removal of a kidney, and even major oral surgery. It’s been an incredibly difficult journey for her and her family. Life has changed in countless ways—there was a time that felt unbearably dark—but it’s also brought a new perspective. As her mom says, it’s made them more grateful for the good moments and the people they have around them. Emelia and her sister have grown closer than ever, becoming best friends through the storm, though the anxiety of everything they’ve faced still lingers.
But if you meet Emelia, you’d never guess the battles she’s fought. She’s pure sunshine and sparkle—an energetic, pink-loving, sugar-obsessed diva with a fierce personality and a heart full of joy. She adores makeup, Minnie Mouse, and dancing, and she makes a lasting impression wherever she goes. The doctors say her spunky spirit played a huge role in her strength, and her family affectionately calls her their “hot mess express” and the real-life Buddy the Elf. Her laughter is contagious, her resilience is inspiring, and her presence truly lights up a room.
Hope session by Gibson Photography