#RallyKid EK's Fundraiser
Join us in supporting the Rally Foundation, where every donation fuels groundbreaking research and vital support programs for children battling cancer and their families. Your generosity is a lifeline, bringing us closer to a world where childhood cancer is no longer a threat.
Rally Kid EK's Story
Emily Kate “EK” was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic neuroblastoma on December 13, 2021, at just 16 months old. What began as a swollen lymph node led to multiple doctor visits and eventually a biopsy. During the procedure, the surgeon stopped mid-way after discovering a mass wrapped around her carotid artery. A few lymph nodes were sent for testing, and three days later, we heard the devastating words: “Emily has cancer.” Our world turned upside down.
At CHOA, we spent weeks undergoing scans to finalize her diagnosis. The cancer had spread to lymph nodes and bone marrow. Genetic testing showed no MYCN amplification, but a 1P gene deletion, increasing the risk of relapse and treatment challenges.
Chemo began the week of New Year’s. After 4 cycles, scans showed a 23% tumor shrinkage and clear bone marrow. Hoping for a better response, we added a stronger chemo for 4 more cycles. Though each round brought more nausea, risk, and stress, Emily kept playing and smiling. After 8 cycles, her MRI showed just 3% more shrinkage. We changed the chemo and started cycle 9.
Two weeks later, we attended the Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation conference in Chicago and met top experts. This led us to Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC for a second opinion and a PET scan. On September 12, 2022, Emily underwent a 6-hour surgery that removed her entire tumor without complications. She was running the hospital halls the next day! After 13 days in NYC, we came home tumor-free.
Some cancer cells remained in her lymph nodes, so she stayed on a strict scan schedule—until November 14, 2024, when Emily Kate was officially declared CANCER FREE.
By buying a shirt, you are directly supporting childhood cancer research through the Rally Foundation. Every day, 47 children are diagnosed with cancer—a heartbreaking statistic that drives our mission forward. Your purchase will contribute to the ongoing efforts to develop better treatments with fewer long-term side effects, and ultimately, find a cure. Stand with us in this critical cause and help bring hope to children and families battling cancer—so that one day, no child has to face this fight.
Rally Foundation is Celebrating our 20th Anniversary
This year, 47 Faces is more than a campaign — it is a special edition celebrating Rally’s 20th anniversary. Give now to honor two decades of progress and help fund the next 20 years of groundbreaking childhood cancer research. Together, we can find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures. Please click this link https://rallyfoundation.org/20-years to learn more about Rally's 20th Anniversary.