April News-
Look at this sweet “Smilin’ Jack”! We were so honored to drop a care package to their family with some giftcards and presents last month! Jack and Reid were neighbors on the bone marrow transplant unit at Stead when Jack was just a baby. He was the cutest little guy and we are so happy Jack is thriving against AT/RT cancer! Thank you to those of you who have donated to our foundation so we can continue to support families who are battling pediatric cancer!
 
FAMILY SPOTLIGHT: The Thompson Family
 
Emery Claire Thompson was born April 1, 2016 and we instantly fell in love with her as she completed our sweet family of five! We knew something wasn’t quite right with her health shortly after birth. We felt a hard nodule in her right cheek, near the jawline, and we noticed other concerns in the first three weeks of her life. Emery was diagnosed with Stage 4 Intermediate Risk Neuroblastoma (cancer) on 5/6/16. She was only 5 weeks old.
We immediately started chemotherapy after finding out the cancer was in multiple locations including both adrenal glands, multiple tumors embedded in her liver, cancerous cells in her bone marrow, and the nodule we felt on her jaw was a cancerous tumor. Early on, treatment was complicated by seizures and low sodium levels. After this stabilized, Emery “breezed” through treatment then tumor resection surgery. We thought we were done with cancer and enjoyed an amazing 6 months of great health when we traveled and enjoyed living a “normal” life.
In early June 2017, we were increasingly concerned about Emery. She started walking in May and was doing great but then we noticed her falling repeatedly and knew something was wrong. On June 28, 2017, we found out the cancer relapsed and the extent was very significant. The tumor was so extensive that it wrapped around her aorta and pressed on the colon and inferior vena cava. Emery went through 5 rounds of immunotherapy. At first, the immunotherapy worked very well at fighting the cancer but the side effects were extremely difficult. Emery was in PICU for 4 of the 5 rounds of immunotherapy due to the severity of the side effects. After the 5th round, we discovered immunotherapy quit working and we were faced with finding other treatment options.
Emery underwent several more rounds of various chemotherapy regimens, a tumor resection surgery, and a multitude of complications requiring extensive hospitalizations. The tumor growth was so rapid that, in early March, we were faced with only one treatment option left which was radiation. The first radiation treatment went well; however, Emery suffered from complications during the beginning stages of sedation for the second treatment on March 8, 2018. She continued to suffer from many other complications and left this Earth for Heaven on March 21, 2018, just days before her second birthday.
Throughout Emery’s life and the unfair treatments she endured, she was always so happy. She loved to dance, especially to the Trolls song “Can’t Stop the Feeling” or “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana. She was often seen holding Peppa Pig, water cups or bottles, bananas, and eating blueberries. Her little laugh and sweet smile were contagious. UIHC and Stead Family Children’s Hospital was our home for quite some time. Emery loved wheeling around the halls of UIHC in her stroller; playing on the playground; watching Little Baby Bum; exploring the toy rooms; and running in the halls when she felt well. Emery dearly loved her brother Ethan (Bubba) and sister Ella and looked forward to their visits at UIHC or the days we were able to be together at home. She was very inquisitive; wise beyond her years; and will always be our inspiration to live life to its fullest.
We miss Emery more than words can express. The feeling of fighting for your child’s life then losing them to cancer is indescribable. It is something no parent or family should have to endure. Although the painful memories will stick with us forever, we are also grateful for and will cherish every precious moment we spent with our sweet girl.
 
Emery was such a brave, strong, beautiful girl and we will continue to fight for her and other children who have lost their battle with pediatric cancer. Thank you, Angie, for sharing your sweet girl with us!
NEXT UP: SAVE THE DATES!
RALLY FOR REID FOOTBALL CAMP – REGISTRATION WILL BE OPEN MAY 1st! Scholarships will be available as well.
Hosted by Former Iowa Hawkeyes & Current NFL players
Come have some fun and be coached by some former Iowa Hawkeye players! Our Rally for Reid Football camp will be held June 27, 2021 in Davenport, Iowa at St. Vincent’s Athletic Complex. Registration will be open to grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. All proceeds benefit the Rally for Reid Foundation.
Check out our 2021 Coach lineup!
Jake Gervase– Former Iowa Hawkeye safety & Current LA Ram
Ben Neimann-Former Iowa Hawkeye linebacker & Current KC Chief, Superbowl Champ 2019
Tristan Wirfs– Former Iowa Hawkeye offensive lineman & Current Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Superbowl Champ 2020
Josey Jewell– Former Iowa Hawkeye linebacker & Current Denver Bronco
Parker Hesse– Former Iowa Hawkeye defensive lineman & Current Tennessee Titan
Nate Stanley– Former Iowa Hawkeye Quarterback & Current Minnesota Viking
Nick Easley– Former Iowa Receiver & Former Buffalo Bill
Keith Duncan– Former Iowa Kicker & Current NFL Draft Prospect
Nick Neimann– Former Iowa Linebacker & Current NFL Draft Prospect
RALLY FOR REID GOLF OUTING
Our Rally for Reid 1st Annual Golf Outing will be held on Friday, July 16th at Pinnacle Country Club in Milan, Illinois with a 9:00am start date! Not a golfer? That’s okay! We’ve got plenty of ways for you to get involved. We will have a virtual & live auction and raffle items. ALL proceeds will go towards our pledge of $25,000 to Stead Family Children’s Hospital Department of Neuro-Oncology Research.
Know someone who would like to sponsor a hole? We’ve got different levels and plenty of ways to get involved. Shoot us a message at [email protected] and check out the links below to get more information. REGISTER HERE.
 
Sending love,
Megan & The Rally for Reid Team |
