At just 18 months old, Emma was diagnosed with Wilm’s tumor with nephroblastomatosis, a rare condition that led to tumors on both of her kidneys. Her parents, Ben and Shannon, were suddenly plunged into a world of medical uncertainty.
Despite surgeries, chemotherapy, and countless hospital visits, Emma’s spirit has never wavered. Now four years old, she is full of life and energy, with a love for princesses, dinosaurs, and magnetic tiles.
Clement’s Kindness became an essential part of their journey. It offered financial support for their trips to Boston for surgeries and provided Emma with opportunities to enjoy typical childhood activities through events where she could interact with other children like her. The support was immeasurable.
“Their events helped us reframe the hard moments,” Shannon says. “She got to walk onto a baseball field, ice skate, and just be a kid.”
Emma, ever the resilient warrior, understands her condition better than most children her age. She memorizes her medications, knows every step of her treatment, and even corrects adults on medical terms.
Today, Emma is in the maintenance phase of treatment, undergoing regular scans to ensure her tumors do not return. She looks forward to more playdates, more adventures, and more moments where she can simply be a kid.
The family encourages others to take advantage of Clement’s Kindness, highlighting the value of their events and support. “It was very much like a lifeline… to ask questions, get help, just know if it was a really bad day or something, that someone would literally understand.”
For the Ellingsons, Clement’s Kindness has been more than just an organization—it has been a beacon of hope in their most challenging days.
