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In January of 2005, Emily was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancerous tumor of the face and neck. After multiple surgeries and chemotherapy treatment, it was decided that radiation would be the next move. However a few weeks into the treatment Emily caught a virus known as Para Influenza Type 3. The virus caused her lungs to shut down and she spent a month breathing through a respirator in the intensive care unit. She is now receiving medication and most of her nutrients through a feeding tube.
Emily with big sisters Madison (4) and Taylor (6) Donations to help Emily can be sent directly to the following address: The Family of Emily Elizabeth Sheppard |
I would like to take a minute to tell you
about Emily. Originally from Sandwich, MA, she is a two year old residing
in Mashpee. She was born with a rare genetic disorder known as Beckwith
Weidemen Syndrome. The Syndrome can have a range of complications. Emily
unfortunately has several of them. She suffers from Hypertrophic
Cardiomyopathy (high blood pressure). She also has Polycystic Kidney
Disease, which ensures she will need a kidney transplant. Emily also has
Hyperinsulinism; she creates too much insulin, which causes low blood
sugars. Children with Beckwith Weidemen are also at greater risks to
develop certain types of cancer.
