For three years, Emma experienced intermittent, unexplained swelling and pain in her left arm. After visiting Children’s Hospital Colorado and undergoing a biopsy, Emma received a devastating diagnosis – she had Ewing sarcoma, a form of bone cancer.

One week later, Emma was admitted to the hospital’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, as her family and care team determined the best treatment plan for her. She started her first round of chemotherapy almost immediately and had surgery to remove the cancerous tumor in her arm bone, which was in a precarious location.

Initially, Emma received her care at the hospital’s Anschutz location, but because her family lives in northern Colorado, Emma eventually started visiting Children’s Colorado North Campus, Broomfield. Being closer to home made a big difference in her quality of life and ability to heal. She began to build relationships with all her caregivers there, forming strong bonds that helped her feel comfortable and safe. As an animal lover whose menagerie includes four pet snakes, Emma especially loved her interactions with Pringle, the North Campus medical dog.

Now in 6th grade and 11 years old, Emma completed 36 weeks of chemotherapy and visits the hospital monthly to address the iron overload in her liver, a side effect of her treatment. She dreams of one day becoming a child life therapist herself.