Stand with Emma Duke in Her Battle!

Friends,

As many of you know, 5-year-old Emma Duke Bleke was diagnosed with a rare cancer, Rhabdomyosarcoma, earlier this month. She is now being treated at CHOP in Philadelphia.

I understand that there may be questions and hesitation regarding a GoFundMe for a family who, until now, has been healthy financially. Campbell and Michael both have good jobs and work hard to support their young family.

As the mother of two medically-complex children, I can tell you that the financial (and emotional) burden that comes with caring for a sick child is profound.

The reality is that medical bills add up quickly. Though insurance does pay for some things, it does not pay for everything, including:

-copays

-out-of-network treatment (physicians, medications, etc.)

-travel fees (flights, hotels, meals, parking)

-childcare for children back home

-many medical supplies required to keep your child functioning

This is on top of every day bills.

Sadly, many medical families are left in financial ruin after a diagnosis, and we want to do whatever we can to help the Blekes focus on fighting for and with Emma Duke— not on their growing bills.

CHOP is the center of excellence for Emma Duke’s rare diagnosis, and it’s crucial that she receives care there - though that makes things logistically (and financially) difficult.

Both Campbell and Michael will keep working through Emma Duke’s treatment, which means that childcare for the boys and Emma Duke is necessary.

The Blekes have been able to spoil Emma Duke with a trip to New York through the generous donations of friends and family, ensuring that she had a “last hoorah” of feeling well before her more intense treatment began.

Now, though, the real fight begins.

Let’s rally around this family and remind them that they do NOT fight alone. All funds contributed will go directly to the Bleke family, who will use it for medical-related expenses.

Thank you for your support and prayers!