Emerson was born on February 18, 2007. She has an exuberant personality that dwarfs her age and seems to pull those around her closer. She’s a risk taker with a fierce spirit. She has two devoted parents, a little brother that is in for years of love and torture at her whim, and a chocolate lab that protects her like a sister. Those who know her understand her humor, her sass, her intelligence and her stubbornness. She is in the process of beating cancer. Emerson was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) on October 29, 2009. She will be five years old when her final chemotherapy treatment is administered two years from today. She is not fighting alone. She gathers strength from the support of her family, friends and all those who have offered a helping hand through this difficult process. Emerson recently overheard our conversation about the St. Baldrick’s foundation, which prompted a discussion about her hair. Prior to her diagnosis, she frequently remarked, “my hair shakes” as her blond curls bobbed on the top of her head. Three months of chemotherapy have robbed her of her locks, but not her keen sense of self. As she sat there listening to our conversation, she suddenly interjected, “Momma, my hair doesn’t shake anymore.” An innocent comment made without reference to the significance of the cause. We are grateful for Emerson’s strength. We are grateful for people who are willing to cut the ‘shake’ out of their hair in honor of a little girl they have not met. We are grateful for the fact that we will all emerge from this ordeal better and stronger than when we began. We are grateful. Read more about Emerson at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/emersonriter