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2014Greer SC Child Photographer: Meet Emily
A couple weeks ago I had the privilege of meeting Emily. She’s such a fun and spunky 3 year old.
This precious girl lights up the room with laughter and smiles.
Her mama, Mary, calls her a “Prissy Tom-girl” as she digs in the dirt with her shovels and carries around her purse.
Emily can sing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” She loves to twirl and dance. She’s mostly a typical 3 year old.
Except Emily isn’t a typical 3 year old.
She has a rare disease called Eosinophilic Esophagitis. EoE is an inflammatory disorder where most foods cause white blood cells to attack the esophagus. Most EoE patients can eat 5 or fewer foods and depend on specialized formula that costs over $700 a month. There is no cure for EoE and the treatment is incredibly invasive.
Emily’s brave mama is on a mission to help bring awareness and research funds to eosinophilic esophagitis. Right now at the Bi-lo on Hudson Road in Greer, Mary is hosting a fund raiser called “Hope for Emily.” You can donate with your cashier at check-out through June 18th. Here’s a short clip of Mary talking about this fundraiser.
If Emily’s story touches you, and you’re unable to go to the Hudson Road Bi-lo, you’re welcome to donate to the research fund here.
Brandi Cade
Love that you shared this story and the way you did it through the photographs. My own 8 year old son also suffers from EoE and Eosinophilic Colitis. He just had a feeding tube placed in March because elimination diets weren’t working and he was only getting worse. I lived a short time in Taylors (graduated from Greer) and still have some friends and family in the area so I will be encouraging them to donate. Prayers are with Emily and her family as they continue this fight as well. Love and prayers from Columbia, SC
Deb Robert
Hey we are in Charlotte, NC and my 16 yo son has EoE, OAS and several environmental allergies. I am thinking his Boy Scout eagle project needs to raise money or awareness of EoE. He just has not quite figured out what to do.
Susee
What a brave and beautiful little girl. She must have been a joy to photograph.
Our daughter (2.5) has EGE and she is the smiliest and happiest little girl. You can’t look at her and know just by looking at her that she has this disease.
I wish you all the very best!