Mile 43

In August 2023, as the new school year began, Joycelyn Richards noticed her son Emmett was getting sick more often—dealing with persistent fevers and coughing. After several visits to the pediatrician, blood work was finally ordered, which revealed concerning abnormalities. They were sent directly to Manning Family Children’s, where on September 20, 2023, her Emmett was diagnosed with leukemia. He was admitted to the hospital that same day and began chemotherapy. Thankfully, after his first round of treatment, he achieved remission.

In January 2024, he underwent a bone marrow transplant after a compatible donor was found. While the procedure went well, complications developed about 100 days later. He was diagnosed with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a condition where the donor’s cells begin attacking the patient’s body, seeing it as foreign. In his case, GVHD has primarily affected his liver, requiring close monitoring and ongoing care to manage inflammation and prevent further complications.

Despite the challenges, his symptoms are currently under control, and he continues to be monitored by the dedicated care team at Manning Family Children’s. His journey has been one of strength, resilience, and hope—from diagnosis and remission to transplant and recovery—and his family remains grateful for the expert support guiding them every step of the way.