Expressions of support for Emily

Emily

This page is dedicated to collecting expressions of support for Emily as she takes her fight with HLH to the final and most challenging step of bone marrow transplant. Emily's many supporters are encouraged to offer their prayers or words of encouragement here, using the "add new comment" feature below.

For visitors registered to this site, your account name will be automatically assigned to the comments.  For visitors who have not registered, we kindly ask that you include your name in the message so Emily may know just how many people are thinking of her.  Please be aware that unregistered users may be unable to post because of spam-prevention techniques in use on this site.  If you are unable to post a comment anonymously, please register first, and then post under your user account.

We expect this journey to be more marathon than sprint, so repeat visits and multiple submissions over time are appreciated, as Emily will surely benefit from renewed sources of strength as this process plays out.

We thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for their support, just as we are infinitely grateful for the strength of character, grace and determination, heartfelt compassion and spirited sense of humor Emily shares with us all.

Tags: 
Transplant

Comments

Jim's picture

Submitted by Jim on Mon, 09/28/2015 - 23:49

My dearest daughter, when I was growing up, I admired the strength and resolve of comic book heroes, like Superman and Green Lantern, and it wasn't long before I was rooting for the masked man with his silver bullets and faithful Indian companion, the seemingly befuddled cigar-smoking detective in the crumpled raincoat, and the eccentric adventurer traveling through time and space in his fantastic Police Call Box.  Each was the definition of a hero to me then.

But as I grew older and thought about how different the real world can be from comic book stories and television shows, my admiration changed, too; I still loved those wonderful characters, but I learned that made-up heroes are only heroes in a made-up world.  It didn't seem to me then that the sort of bravery, determination, and compassion that defined those comic and TV heroes existed in the real world.

That has changed because of you.  I see how brave you are when you face things that are scary, and how determined you are to be the self-assured and always-laughing girl you want to be, and how compassionate you are to others even as you carry a heavier load than they.  And now I can say how much I believe in heroes, and how real their exceptional qualities can be, because it's no longer the likes of Superman, Columbo, the Lone Ranger, and Doctor Who who are the defintion of a hero to me — it's you.

I love you and I admire you very, very much.

Love,
Dad
 

Submitted by ErinFournier on Tue, 10/06/2015 - 10:25

Get me a tissue!! So beautifully said Jim.  She truly is one special girl!

Submitted by john cranton (not verified) on Sun, 01/24/2016 - 00:39

Perfectly worlded, brililant and touching. Good health to everyone in the family in 2016 -- and our darling Emily in particular, 

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/29/2015 - 02:16

I love you, Emily!

Submitted by erin (not verified) on Tue, 09/29/2015 - 12:00

We are keeping you in our prayers and know that everyone is here for you. :)

 

Submitted by Gretchen Mungan (not verified) on Tue, 09/29/2015 - 18:21

Dear Emily,

It has been a long time since I have seen you in person.  I met you when you lived in Illinois.  Do you remember living there?  I want you to know that we are praying for you!  Your picture is on our fridge (some old Christmas card.  Those pictures are handy to have).  When the kids and I pass by the picture, we pray for you!  You are #1 in the Mungan family thoughts.  We pray that you continue to be brave, strong and the doctors know how to help you the best.

Submitted by megan_n on Wed, 09/30/2015 - 16:29

Do they make you wear the slipper socks with the little grippers on the bottom?  What color are the walls of your room?  Has your Dad come up with any funny nicknames for your nurses or doctors?  Meg in Chicago

Submitted by Sue K. (not verified) on Wed, 09/30/2015 - 16:24

Hi Emily,  I met you when you were very young, when you dad brought you into the office.  You were probably 5 or 6 years old at the time.  You were not affraid to talk to any of us, and seemed like a brave and outgoing little gal!   I also remember seeing your beautiful smile, in pictures of you modeling hand knit clothing.   Keep your beautiful smile going, and your brave spirit - I am praying for you and wishing all that is best for you.

Submitted by Grandma on Thu, 10/01/2015 - 23:51

Hi Emily! and Jim and Beth!

I'm so glad I've finally been able to read Jim's blog and know what's going on with Emily!  I've written two other comments but I'm pretty sure they haven't gotten through (when I see Grandma's name but a blank comment section),  I want to tell Emily I love her so-o-o much and am thinking about her every minute of the day.  She is going through so much it's incredible.  Yet she still manages to laugh and giggle like she always does.  I love her so much!  She's the most wonderful and most beautiful little girl I've ever known.  I miss her very much.  I'm excited that she's going to get rid of the HLH.  Emily, I know it must be very hard to go through all that you do.  No wonder you get sad sometimes.  But if you can just stand all of it for a while longer, then you'll have a happy healthy life, which you deserve more than anyone.  Please let me know if there's anything you want me to do for you or anything you want me to get for you.  I love you!  I'll do anything.  I'll say goodbye for today but you will always be on my mind and in my heart.  Love, kisses and hugs, Grandma  OOXXOO

Submitted by Rhonda Archibald (not verified) on Sat, 10/03/2015 - 18:22

Dearest Emily,  We are so happy to hear that a match was found and you and the doctors are ready to attack this beast that has been bothering you for so long!  Our family and our church family have been praying for you for years and we think of you very fondly.  AS SOON as you are ready, we are raring to drive down and see you and your brother and your staunchest supporters, your parents!  We so look forward to celebrating!  With much love, Sarah, Timothy, Rachel, John, Chuck and Rhonda :)

Submitted by john cranton (not verified) on Sun, 10/04/2015 - 10:29

Go, go, go, Emily! Everyone is rooting for you, even out here on the West Coast. Ice cream is waiting at home for you, along with everyone who loves you. - john 

Beth's picture

Submitted by Beth on Thu, 10/08/2015 - 09:25

John, Thanks so much for sending that pic. It perfectly encapsulates how fun the pool can be.

Submitted by John (not verified) on Sun, 01/24/2016 - 00:41

My pleasure. The pool is great fun anytime -- err, expect in January....

Submitted by Erin (not verified) on Mon, 10/05/2015 - 08:14

Hi Emily!

We want you to know that we are rooting for you, thinking of you, and missing you here! You are a supergirl! Stay strong. Love, Your family at FitzIn

 

 

Submitted by Joan Cranton White on Mon, 10/05/2015 - 09:43

Dear Emily:

I first met you when you were about 3 weeks old. Your Grandfather George and I sat in your house in Evanston and he patiently watched me hold you until he couldn't stand not having you to himself and finally asked  "Can I hold her now?"

You were the first girl born into our family in many years and, of course, we loved you at first sight. And even though we are not with you to help you through your hospitalization, we are with you in spirit, Little One.

  All my love, Great Aunt Joan

Submitted by jbrac61 on Mon, 10/05/2015 - 20:05

Dear Emily,

I know you're going through a tough time right now but I just know it's all going to be worth it. I think of you every day and I'm so proud of you for being so strong. Did you know we share a birthday? October 9th rules! Early birthday wishes to you! The last time I saw you we had dinner together to celebrate your Grandma Roselyn's 60th birthday and I got to sit next to you. We had some giggles together and you were a sparkling dining companion. You're my Superhero!

Love, Great Aunt Judy

 

Submitted by norma kimball (not verified) on Tue, 10/06/2015 - 07:42

HI Emily,

    We have you in our prayers every day sweetie. You are such a delightful and strong little girl. We remember you at Gramie

   Roselyn's Birthday Party.  You gave me such a big huge I'm sending 100 huges to you oxoxoxoxox.

  Lots of love , Great Aunt Norma + Uncle Dick.

Submitted by deana on Tue, 10/06/2015 - 09:50

Hi sweetheart,

I just wanted to say hello. Can you feel the hugs and love I'm sending you every day? 

Sawyer sends puppy kisses. He turned 5 months old last week. He stayed under the chairs at his last puppy kindergarten class. We think it was because he got trampled by the bigger dogs the week before. He may be a just a baby but he's not stupid!

Love, love, love from Auntie Deana & Uncle Brian & Sawyer

 

 

norma Kimball's picture

Submitted by norma Kimball on Tue, 10/06/2015 - 13:25

Dear Emily,  we have been praying for you to get well for a long long time.  You are such a brave little girl.  and just a delight to be around. I remember at your Gramie Roselyn's Birthday Party the big huge you gave me   I want to send you 100  huges !    We will keep you in our prayers every day sweetie  lots of love Aunt Norma + Uncle Dickie. oxox

Submitted by Grandma on Tue, 10/06/2015 - 14:22

I am so glad to be able to read about you each day,  I know it must be hard for you and you have to go through so much.  Try to stay strong for just a little while longer.  But it's OK to get upset and cry, too.  It helps you feel better.  Reading about what you're going through brings tears to my eyes, too, like Eric wrote.  I'm so glad you finally got to see Ian.  You and he love each other so much!  I'll keep thinking of you every day.  I love you so-o-o much!   

All my Love to you,

Grandma   XXXOOOXXX

norma Kimball's picture

Submitted by norma Kimball on Tue, 10/06/2015 - 16:55

Dear Emily,  we have been praying for you a long long time. You are such a strong little girl.  you are a delight to be around. I know you gave me a BIG huge at Gramie Roselyn's Birthday Party,  now we want to send you 100  huges !  we will pray for you every day .  lots of love Aunt Norma + Uncle Dickie.   oxoxoxxoo

Submitted by NORMA (not verified) on Thu, 10/08/2015 - 15:00

HI Emily I hope you are doing well.  Yesterday was your Daddt's Birthday and I know he had a Good one because he has you smiley  I'm sending more Hugs   love Aunt Norma +Uncle Dickie.

Submitted by Milton Thisell (not verified) on Tue, 10/06/2015 - 21:56

Hi Emily,

You probably don't remember me, but I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and the hard times you are going through. I am sure much nicer things will be coming your way very soon.

My financee (Margaret) and I now have a home in MA and FL. Our home in Florida is close to Disneyland. So the next time we see Mickey and Minnie, we will tell them you said Hi !!

When we are in Massachusetts, we will see you.

Love,

Your great Uncle and Margaret.

Submitted by Grandma on Thu, 10/08/2015 - 17:24

Just wanted to say, "Thank you, Milton & Margaret, for leaving a message for Emily".  I won't be able to see her for a long time, but when I do, I'll ask her if she remembers you.

She used to have an incredible memory before the inflammation in her brain and the loads of medications she has to take.  So, I'll bet she does!

Tomorrow, the ninth of October, is her 11th birthday!  (Jim's was yesterday.)

Submitted by deana on Wed, 10/07/2015 - 10:23

Hi sweetheart,

I hated to read that you were not feeling well yesterday but I was sooo happy when I read that it passed and especially that you are NEVER, EVER, EVER QUITTING!!! You are the toughest cookie I know!!

When you don't feel well or you get sad, hold your angel charm and ask your angels to help you. I believe we all have our own, personal angels that were assigned to us. I ask my angels for help all the time and they always help me to feel calmer and happier.

I just blew you a kiss so be sure to catch it XOXOXO.

Love you,

Auntie Deana...PS, Happy Birthday, Jim! Thank you for these daily updates XO

 

Jim's picture

Submitted by Jim on Wed, 10/07/2015 - 12:09

Thank you for the thoughtful P.S., Deana. October is quite the birthday month (yes, Brian, I'm looking at you)! I'm glad you're able to follow along, and so very appreciative of your support, especially to Emily. She's lucky to have such a wonderful extended family. Give Sawyer a pat for us!

Submitted by Michelle Jackson (not verified) on Wed, 10/07/2015 - 12:12

Dear Emily,

We have never met but I work with your Dad. I just want to say that I hope you continue to get better, and you have several friends that are praying for you in Chicago. I know that this is a difficult time for you, but you should know that you inspire me every day with your strength.

Take care,

Michelle

Emily's picture

Submitted by Emily on Wed, 10/07/2015 - 21:11

Now that I know I have a lot of people out there rooting for me, I feel a lot better!

Submitted by nana papa on Thu, 10/08/2015 - 05:51

The ride was long; the anticipation was great.  We stopped only for an occasional coffee and bathroom break.  Finally, we arrived at our destination and met our goal.  Hanging trinkets that spun and danced, merry-go-round music that droned on endlessly, finger puppets, hand puppets, talking green frogs all enclosed in a confined space with vertical bars limiting exit or entry.  And nestled within that menagerie was the prize which we sought.  She was tiny, pink, wrapped like a burrito and emiting wailing sounds.  Finally, we met Emily Rae Brackett.  Eleven years have passed, and that sweet little bundle of joy is now the young lady whose beautiful face is always on our minds, and more so on this special occasion.

Happy Birthday, sweetheart.  Nana and papa love you and miss you.

Submitted by Grandma on Thu, 10/08/2015 - 17:46

I clicked on "like" and instead it came up as an "unlike"!  How do I change it back to a "like"?

Jim's picture

Submitted by Jim on Thu, 10/08/2015 - 18:53

The unlike link is just an option to reverse the like you followed, so unless you click it, everything is as you intended. Thanks for "liking!"

Beth's picture

Submitted by Beth on Thu, 10/08/2015 - 09:52

Thanks Dad. Your comment really brought back some great memories. All the effort setting up the best nursery possible, yet, in true Emily form, the only place that would suffice for several weeks after she was born was sleeping in her car seat or in the arms of one of her parents. After 11 years, we're coming full circle. God willing, she'll granted the immune system of a newborn once again.

Submitted by norma (not verified) on Thu, 10/08/2015 - 14:52

Dear Emily, goodmorning I hope you had a good night.  I/m sending more hugs + kisses.  I know yesterday was you Daddy's Birthday and I know he had a great one because he has YOU  smiley    You can cross off another day now .  oxoxo  We are still praying you have many good days  love Aunt Norma + Uncle Dickie.

Submitted by Grandma on Thu, 10/08/2015 - 17:59

Dear Emily,

I love you more than words can say.  I hope you're feeling much better today; I know all the medicines you have to take can make you feel very sick.  Tomorrow is your 11th birthday and I hope you feel really good and know that so many people love you so much.  It's great that your Mom & Dad set up this website so that all of us who can't be there with you can know, every day, how you are doing and can send our love and our hugs and kisses to you.  Happy Birthday!   I love you, Grandma  XXXOOXXX

 

Submitted by Sarah, Auntie P... (not verified) on Thu, 10/08/2015 - 20:51

Emily,

You are wise beyond your years. The strength and wisdom you embody is truly an inspiration. As your older cousin, I always thought you would be the one learning from me, not the other way around. I look at you and you inspire me to stay strong, appreciate all the small gifts in life, and always keep a smile on my face despite what I may be going through. You are the toughest cookie I have ever had the privlage to watch grow up before my very eyes. On behalf of Auntie and Uncle, I want to say how proud we all are of you for being the true definition of a super hero! We love you more than words can say and want to wish you a very happy 11th Birthday!

Love,
Auntie, Uncle and Cousin Sarah

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE JIM!!!!

Jim's picture

Submitted by Jim on Fri, 10/09/2015 - 07:49

So you're watching a wonderful young lady grow up to be someone with toughness, compassion, humor and grace? Now you know how I felt about you over all these years! You are, and always have been, a beautiful bright spot in this family and in my life, and I'm proud of how much you and Emmy have in common. Thank you for the birthday wish and please give the whole household my love. Be well!

Submitted by megan_n on Fri, 10/09/2015 - 00:10

We have another hour of October 8th here in Illinois, but in Boston it is now officially your birthday.  Happy Birthday, Emily!  We will sing for you in the morning.  Megan

Submitted by Cami (not verified) on Fri, 10/09/2015 - 09:45

Happy Birthday Dear Emily.  I hope you have the best birthday ever! I hope you come back to school soon.  We miss you. Love, Cami

Submitted by Ben (not verified) on Fri, 10/09/2015 - 09:50

Emily,

I wish you were here right now because there is some new work that I think you will like.  Please, I hope you're treatment is almost over.  Miss you so much.  Plus, you should give Ian a few days off and you can both come to my house.  Happy Birthday!!!

Love, Ben

 

Submitted by Alex (not verified) on Fri, 10/09/2015 - 09:52

Dear Emily,

I hope you have a nice time healing your body and I hope you feel better soon.  Happy Birthday, Emily.

Love, Alex

Submitted by Erin, Lynn and Jody (not verified) on Fri, 10/09/2015 - 09:56

Hello Sweet Emily!

We all wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you on this very special day! Happy Birthday to the sweetest, funniest girl in our FitzIn Family! You are missed today.  Best wishes!!

Also, Amity and Zayne are absent today so I wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday from them as well!

Love, Jody Lynn and Erin <3

 

 

Beth's picture

Submitted by Beth on Mon, 10/12/2015 - 09:27

Thanks for the birthday wishes, Fitzin Friends! Emily was down on the dumps about having to be here on her birthday, but your birthday messages made us smile.

Submitted by Charlie (not verified) on Fri, 10/09/2015 - 09:57

I love you really much.  When you're better I want you to be with us.  Happy Birthday Emily!

From me, Charlie.

 

Submitted by Josy (not verified) on Fri, 10/09/2015 - 10:04

Dear Emily,

I wish you could come here again because I miss you.  I really love you, Emily.  My favorite part of school is to give people hugs and play with them and I really wish I could give you a hug.  I know you really know how to do stuff like letters and numbers.  You are smart.  Happy Birthday Emily.

Your friend, Josy

Submitted by Izzie (not verified) on Fri, 10/09/2015 - 10:08

Hi Emily,

I have never met you before because I'm new at school, but I have heard about you.  Happy Birthday! I hope you have a lovely party with friends and family.  I love you.

Love, Izzie

Submitted by Reetu (not verified) on Fri, 10/09/2015 - 12:02

Hi Emily!

We have never met but I have heard about you often from your Dad since I work with him. I wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday and many more to come. Hope you continue to feel better - your courage and strength inspire me everyday.

Warmest wishes,

Reetu

 

Submitted by Michelle Jackson (not verified) on Fri, 10/09/2015 - 13:50

Happy Birthday to you, Emily!

Michelle

Submitted by jbrac61 on Fri, 10/09/2015 - 15:15

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to me

Happy birthday to everyone

But especially Emily!

 

A songwriter I'll never be, oh well.  You're 11 today, I wonder if that makes you a 'tween'? Me, I'm almost as old as dirt but don't repeat that! I see you've been rocking the craft room -- I love your picture of the tree and leaves falling. I hope you've been having a good day. I admire you so much for resolving to get that HLH gone for good even when your tummy felt really bad.  So, you want to be a pediatric nurse so you can help children who are sick? I say Bravo to that. The sky's the limit!  Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life!   Love, great aunt Judy

Jim's picture

Submitted by Jim on Fri, 10/09/2015 - 19:29

Aunt Judy, I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful words of encouragement for Emily and the family, and to wish you what I hope is a very happy birthday of your own! You're a class act, and we hope to see you sometime soon.

With love from us all,
Jim, Beth, Emily and Ian

Submitted by Laurie Potter (not verified) on Fri, 10/09/2015 - 16:00

Hi Emily!  I'm so glad Mom shared this page with us (your therapists at Memorial school).  I will definitely be checking in to follow your progress.  You are always in our thoughts.  We miss you at school every week!  We look forward to reading lots of positive updates in weeks to come.  Rock on, Girl!  You're going to do great!  

*(and I hope you had a happy happy birthday!)*

~Mrs. Potter

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