HOLLAND TWP. — Emerson Hoogendoorn, generally known as Emerson the Courageous, died Thursday, July 18, after a six-year battle with most cancers.
Emerson, 12, was a pupil at Harbor Lights Center Faculty. She’s been battling most cancers since she was 6.
“At present, July 18, 2024, at 3:24 p.m., after a 6+ 12 months battle with two sorts of mind most cancers, our lovely, courageous warrior handed away with all of her household by her aspect,” her household wrote on social media. “Our hearts are fully damaged however we all know that she is healed now and watching down on us.”
West Ottawa Colleges hosted a fundraiser for Emerson in June, with funds earmarked for the acquisition of an Eco-Tad SX Tadpole recumbent bike to assist Emerson enhance her energy. Further cash raised was slated for a visit to Disney World.
Hoogendoorn was identified with diffuse midline glioma in 2018. She was not anticipated to stay previous Christmas of that 12 months. After present process radiation and chemotherapy remedies and becoming a member of a scientific trial for a brand new treatment, her tumor started to shrink and stabilize.
Nonetheless, a second tumor was found in Could 2023, this one diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. Solely 10% of kids identified with DIPG survive for 2 years or extra, with lower than 1% surviving for 5 years post-diagnosis.
In accordance with posts from her mom, Ami Hoogendoorn, the household realized in early July that Emerson’s tumors have been rising and “there will not be any further therapy choices to cease the most cancers.”
“The choices that will be accessible have develop into poisonous to her physique, and the tumors are breaking by them,” Hoogendoorn wrote. “Radiation can also be not a secure choice. Emerson is now on hospice and our aim is to supply her with as a lot consolation and love as we are able to in no matter time now we have left together with her.”
The household hosted annual fundraisers to assist the seek for a treatment, together with scientific trials just like the one Emerson benefitted from.
“(Emerson) was a fierce warrior and at all times was considering of others within the midst of her personal journey,” reads her obituary. “She and her household have reassurance that her sickness battle will empower researchers to discover a treatment for this most cancers. She was beloved by many and will probably be missed by all who knew her.”
Memorial contributions will be donated to Chad Powerful Defeat DIPG Basis, P.O. Field 907, Saline, MI 48176, or by going to chadtough.org/donate.
— Cassandra Lybrink is the native editor for The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at clybrink@hollandsentinel.com.
