On October 18, 2005 I took Emily, then 3 ½ years old, to our family doctor for limping and some swollen lymph nodes. He did some tests and called me back the next day requesting my husband and I to come to his office first thing the following morning. On October 20, 2005 he told us that he was pretty certain that Emily had leukemia. We were told that we had to take her immediately to Riley’s for confirmation and treatment. We were on the road by noon that same day with no idea of what was ahead of us. We checked in through the Hematology/Oncology Clinic on the 3rd floor to the clinic side of the building. Everyone was absolutely amazing. They seemed to go out of their way to make sure Emily was comfortable. She was actually enjoying all of the attention. We spent 5 days on the 5th floor of the hospital getting tests and treatment for her Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). We spent the next 2 ½ years making many trips from our Millersburg home (located in Elkhart County) to Riley’s. We did go to a Hospital much closer to our home a few times, but Emily liked everyone at Riley’s so much that she wanted to go there. We spent another week on the 5th floor in April of 2006 and a week on the 2nd floor (no room on the 5th floor) in October of 2006. Each time we visited the clinic or the hospital we were amazed at how wonderful the staff was. Emily seemed to have a great time even when she was really sick. I think it says a lot when a child wants to go to the doctor even though she knows she is going to get pokes and yucky medicine.

In June of 2006 my husband Greg and I went to our first Miracle Ride. Emily had just finished her heavy dose chemo and was managing ok. I was absolutely amazed at how many people came out to support Riley’s. I guess I just didn’t realize how many people Riley’s has helped over the years. We have continued to participate in the Miracle Ride every year since and each year I am touched at how people are willing to give for such a wonderful cause.

In January of 2008 Emily, almost 6 years old, finished her treatment and had surgery to remove the port from her chest. We continued through 2008 making the 6 hour round trip every other month for checkups and blood work. In 2009 we will go every 3 months. It seems funny to say but we miss seeing our friends at Riley’s.

Emily is doing great. She is in first grade along with her twin brother. She has a 10, almost 11 year old sister in 5th grade. She enjoys riding the motorcycle around our subdivision with her dad, however her twin brother is the real motorcycle enthusiast. Her dad, Greg, bought his first motorcycle at the age of 12 but was riding even before that. His father, Emily’s grandfather, rode motorcycles in his younger years. Greg has ridden all over the country on his 1988 Electra Glide Classic.

Thanks for all you do for Riley’s and for considering our beautiful girl.

Kim Judy