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Hi, welcome to Emily's caringbridge! This site has been provided to keep friends and family updated on my progress. As a three time cancer survivor, it seems as though I was forced to grow up a lot faster than most kids. Quite frankly, I am determined that this will be my last battle. I am extremely sick of this disease. It is an omen that has consumed my life for far too long. My original diagnosis occurred on October 17, 2001, three days after my twelfth birthday. Doctor�s gave my family the devastating news. I had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of cancer in children. It wasn�t until later that week when I began to understand the gravity of my situation. I was old enough to know what cancer was, however for my own protection, the words never seemed to be spoken aloud. After a few days, all I had made out were bits and pieces of a diagnosis. I stayed on full alert, listening to my parents whispers. I questioned each secret hallway meetings as my parents stepped outside to talk with the doctors. Finally I had made out sentences such as �blood disease� and �leukemia�. Unfortunately, I was too scared to ask questions or clarify the facts. I barely understood what was going on until one day I found the courage to confront my parents. So I have cancer, right? It was the hardest question they�ve ever had to answer. However, they knew that I needed the facts. The bits and pieces about "disease" and "leukemia" were terrifying. My only reference to the term was a Barbara Bush biography that I had read over the summer. The biography had mentioned the death of her child to "leukemia." Recognizing the name of the disease, I feared that soon my family would lose me too.
Those first three years of chemotherapy were quite a battle. However, despite the constant suffering and fatigue, I continued to recover, working toward my high school goals of attending the SPHS International Baccalaureate program. In fighting this illness, I have come to realize that were many gifts in my cancer experience; it just took me awhile to notice. After learning of my relapse in November 2005, my family traveled to St. Jude Children�s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. There Doctor�s determined that a bone marrow transplant would be my best chance for a cure. Fortunately, my younger sister, hero, and best friend, Catherine, was a perfect match. Transplant was tough! Probably one of the hardest challenges I have ever faced! Following more chemotherapy and total body irradiation, my cancerous marrow was completely wiped out. Infused with my sisters healthy cells, all I could do was wait. Weak and fatigued, I spent months suffering through the awful complications and side-effects. For almost a year, I awaited the slow recovery of my immune system. Meanwhile, my life and dreams sat temporarily on hold. However, despite the pain and suffering, I kept up my spirits and studies, refusing to give up. Through my lonesome year in isolation, I continued to gain strength. In July, 2006, I was finally able to return home. In 2007, I transferred to Seminole High School as a full time student. This year I finally got my license and am now a senior attending high school full time. My coarse load is pretty heavy as I am taking several honors/AP classes. I also continue my education through Florida Virtual School. I have returned to my volunteer work with organizations such as The American Cancer Society and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This year I have also joined several clubs and extra-curricular activities. Following months of hard work, I recently received news of my acceptance to Duke University. This year it seemed as if my hard work and determination had finally paid off. Up until Thursday January 24th, everything had been going great. The news of my latest relapse has come to our family as a great shock! I still can't believe that this is happening again. Duke is still waiting and I am determined that I wil be there this fall. I am currently back at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
We ask that each and everyone please pray for Emily as she faces this next challenge. We have so many decisions to make; keeping in mind that none will come easy.
�Living in a constant sea of devastation, I have witnessed innocence wounded, and come to terms with the precariousness of life. These angels living on in my heart are my reason for wanting to make a difference.� Emily Lester
 I Will Keep Adding More Pictures... Chemo Crew Craft & Design
Curing cancer one bead at a time...
Journal
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 8:53 AM CDT We recently had the privilege of awarding the first Emily Lester Memorial Scholarship. The moment was bittersweet to say the least.
Emily's Relay for Life team, "The Chemo Crew", was once again the top fundraiser for The American Cancer Society Event. This very dedicated group of kids, has raised nearly $100,000 over these past few years. Emily would be so proud of Catherine, Genevieve, Katelin, Jamie, & Kaley.
St. Jerome's Pre-School, has honored our 'Em' with a beautiful prayer garden on their playground. The dedication ceremony was absolutely beautiful. In so many ways, Emily's journey in FAITH began the moment she stepped foot in the pre-school so many years ago. It was this FAITH that sustained her through the darkest of days. It was at St. Jerome's that she met Katelin and Jamie- who were there with Emily and Catherine, at the hour of her death.
When Aunt Gigi and Uncle Buzz were married last year, they requested that in lieu of gifts, money be donated to Colonial Hills United Methodist School in San Antonio, TX, in Emily's name. The school has a large Hispanic population that come from the inner city. With the help of Aunt Tricia and the company she works for, McGraw-Hill Publishing, bilingual book programs were purchased for the children and a reading program was established to foster the same love for learning that Emily had.
At the foot of the Grotto at St. Paul's Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, there is a brick honoring our "Child of God".
Soon, a permanent memorial for our precious 'Em', will grace the halls of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, because of the thousands of dollars donated in her name.
Uncle Mark and Aunt Joann, have been so inspired that they have been working on a HUGE project that could potentially raise millions of dollars for St. Jude. Hundreds if not thousands of children will be directly affected- including Mark's great-niece, Skye Getter, who continues to battle the beast.
Never forget the impact, this one child of God had on this world.
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