“After moving into the House, we could finally be together as a family.” – Agnes, Emma’s mother
Many parents expect their children to achieve great academic success and build a prosperous career. For Agnes and her husband Wyman, however, their one and only wish is for their daughter Emma to be healthy and for the family to stay together. Yet, even this simple desire once felt impossibly out of reach.
A Brave Little Fighter
At just 9 years old, Emma was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Her small body endured the pain of cancer and grueling chemotherapy, followed by a relapse and a life-saving bone marrow transplant. Emma’s journey was filled with pain and challenges, but she faced each one with courage. “The bravest thing I ever did was sign the consent form for my surgery without crying or hesitating,” she shared. This courage comes not only from herself but also from the strong support behind her.
When Emma was first diagnosed, Wyman and Agnes were devastated. “We sat on the hospital bench, crying uncontrollably,” Agnes shared. They later realized that this journey would exhaust all their tears. They faced a grim survival rate, and while they prepared for a long battle. The unpredictable side effects of treatment: vomiting blood, hair loss and severe skin allergies. On top of this, traveling back and forth between their home in Tuen Mun and the children’s hospital took nearly three hours. All of these hardships severely drained their physical and emotional energy.
A Sanctuary of Support
The hardest part that put them in a painful dilemma was the hospital’s rule allowing only one relative to stay overnight. Deciding who would stay and who would leave was absolute torture. “Every night I had to discuss with Dad about who would stay. We both felt terrible. The one who left always felt guilty, almost like abandoning a teammate,” Agnes recalled. During these incredibly difficult moments they were introduced to Ronald McDonald House Hong Kong, which provided them with a much needed place to catch their breath.
“After moving into the House, we could finally be together as a family,” Agnes shared. The House’s location near the hospital and its timely shuttle service brought much-needed convenience and relief. Agnes was especially touched by the House staff’s heartfelt care. “They greeted us with such warmth, like family,” she said. One memory that stands out was when Emma stayed at the House during her birthday. The staff arranged for her to visit the Magic Room and pick a gift, creating a moment of joy amidst her challenging journey.
Gratitude and Giving Back
Today, Emma has recovered and returned to school. Her favorite moments are playing games with friends and, like many children her age, following her favorite celebrities. Watching Emma live like any other child fills Wyman with gratitude. “When Emma’s cancer relapsed, the doctor told us her survival rate was 50%. ‘Do you see the glass as half empty or half full?’ That question taught us to treasure every chance we had,” Subsequently, Wyman donated his bone marrow to Emma. He was deeply moved when the doctor told him, “Mom gave Emma her first life, and now Dad has given Emma her second life.” Because of this profound experience, Wyman wants to use his family’s story to encourage other families currently going through difficult times, bringing them hope and support.
Emma’s family can now peacefully enjoy their time reunited. To give back to RMHC HK, they have donated books and toys in hopes of providing future families with better resources.
