Meet Ember – Neuroblastoma Warrior

“The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) has been a tremendous blessing to our family. Their financial assistance has helped with the added expenses of traveling for treatment and being away from home...Their support reminds us that we are not fighting alone.”

When 9-year-old Ember was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma in March of 2025, her family’s world changed overnight. Ember endured a challenging treatment journey that has included chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, clinical trials, and MIBG therapy, a targeted nuclear treatment that delivers radiation directly to certain tumor cells using radioactive iodine. Despite the many ups and downs, she continues to show a remarkable amount of strength.

Living in rural Arkansas, Ember and her family have faced the added challenge of traveling long distances to access the specialized care she needs. Much of her treatment takes place at a children’s hospital in Texas, approximately five hours from their home, while her family also makes frequent trips to their local children’s hospital for labs and other care. Between appointments, scans, and checkups, the miles quickly added up.

Ember’s journey has not been easy. Her cancer did not respond as hoped to initial chemotherapy, and subsequent treatments have brought both setbacks and moments of progress. At one point, a tumor began pressing against her spine, affecting her ability to walk. After radiation, the pressure eased, and Ember has been working hard to regain mobility with a walker and in-home physical therapy twice a week.

Most recently, Ember completed MIBG therapy, a particularly difficult round of treatment that left her feeling unwell and struggling to eat. But her latest scans brought encouraging news: the tumor had begun to shrink. After weeks of intensive treatment, she finally had a little time to rest, regain her strength, and enjoy some of the things that make childhood special.

Supported by loving family and friends, she has continued to find ways to enjoy being a kid. Sleepovers with friends, time with her family, and looking forward to Halloween are reminders that, even in the middle of a difficult cancer journey, there is still room for cherished childhood moments. As her family has shared, the love and support surrounding Ember helped carry her through the hardest days.

How We Helped

Throughout this journey, The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) has been there to help lighten the load. Through the Transportation Assistance Fund, the NCCS has helped offset the cost of frequent trips to the hospitals. Her family has also received emotional support through their dedicated NCCS case manager, along with referrals to additional resources to help meet their needs.

For a family already navigating the uncertainty of childhood cancer, the financial burden of traveling hundreds of miles for specialized treatment can add another layer of stress. With support from the NCCS to ease some of that burden, Ember’s family can focus their time and energy where it matters most.

Her mother, Lytanyatta, shared, “The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) has been a tremendous blessing to our family. Their financial assistance has helped with the added expenses of traveling for treatment and being away from home. This support has eased some of the financial stress and allowed us to focus on what matters most: being there for Ember and supporting her through every step of this fight. We are incredibly grateful for NCCS and the difference they have made in our family’s journey. Their support reminds us that we are not fighting alone.”

As Ember continues treatment and prepares for the next steps in her care, her family remains hopeful and takes things one day at a time. There are still challenges ahead, but they face them together, surrounded by the love of family, friends, and a community of people who care.