06/15/2026
At just seven years old, Emery from Thibodaux, Louisiana, has already shown a kind of strength that inspires everyone around her.
Emery was diagnosed with T-cell ALL — a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. A type of leukemia that makes it difficult for the body to fight infection.
Since her diagnosis, Emery and her family have faced long days, difficult treatments, and many miles away from home. But through it all, they’ve held tightly to hope. On April 1, 2026, Emery and her family received the incredible news they had been hoping for: her cancer was in remission.
While this milestone is worth celebrating, her journey is not over. Emery will continue chemotherapy treatments every 10 days for the next two years. Her platelets and blood counts remain low, meaning her body is still working hard to regain strength.
Emery comes from a single-parent household, and during this time, she is traveling to receive care alongside someone very special — her grandmother, whom she lovingly calls Nana.
Together, they face each day with courage, leaning on one another and finding strength in the little moments.
One place that has become a source of comfort and joy for Emery and Nana is here at our House. When asked what she loves most, Emery’s eyes light up as she says, "They serve us lots of good food and snacks, and I just LOVE the Magic Room!"
For Emery, the Magic Room isn’t just a place filled with toys — it’s a place where she gets to simply be a kid again. It’s where hospital visits and treatments fade, even if only for a little while, and joy takes their place and where she found a Brave Barbie that "looks just like me!" Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Mattel.
For her family, the Ronald McDonald House is more than just a place to stay. It’s a home away from home — a place where meals are shared, burdens are lightened, and support surrounds them during one of the hardest
chapters of their lives.
Emery’s story reminds us that healing isn’t just medical — it’s emotional, it’s communal, and it’s full of moments of magic.
And because of our mission to open our doors to families at Ronald McDonald House, families like Emery’s don’t have to walk this journey alone.