04 Mar Emersyn’s Fight

The Milton family’s journey with Emersyn’s battle against Wilms Tumor is a powerful testament to resilience, love, and the incredible support of the Ronald McDonald House community. When Emersyn was just three months old, she was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor, a rare kidney cancer, prompting her family to seek treatment at Children’s Mercy in Kansas City after her initial surgery in Wichita.

The first round of treatments was grueling—weeklong stays filled with chemotherapy and radiation, and Emersyn spent days in the hospital between sessions. But during these trying moments, Ronald McDonald House became their refuge. Brianna recalls, “It was such a relief and gave us peace of mind to be so close to the hospital. When Emersyn wasn’t in treatment, we had spaces where she could play, so we weren’t just confined to a room.”

Emersyn’s initial scans showed clear results, but at her one-year follow-up, they learned that she had relapsed. So, the Milton family once again turned to Ronald McDonald House, this time with their baby boy, Will, in tow. As Emersyn battled frequent sickness and hospital stays, having family come to stay at Ronald McDonald House to help care for Will made all the difference. Brianna and Billy could stay focused on Emersyn, while their extended family supported them during the toughest moments.

“When you are going through something like this, to be able to have the support you need with your own family, but also with the community you make with other families at the Ronald McDonald House is so important,” said Brianna. 

Every year, in celebration of Emersyn’s “scaniversary,” the Milton family gathers pop tabs from their community in Hudson, Kansas, to donate to Ronald McDonald House. This year marked their third donation, and Emersyn, now four years old, joyfully played on the playground, her laughter filling the air. The entire Milton family is beyond grateful to have another year of clear scans and no cancer, a testament to their strength, the healing power of love, and the kindness of a community that has supported them every step of the way.