emery's memory foundation

7 year old, Rachel Howland was a fun-loving child, not different from any other little girl her age.  At the age of 5, just 3 short weeks after her 5th birthday, Rachel’s father found a lump under her left arm.  After several test, the Howland’s were given the dreaded news no parent ever wants to hear. “Rachel has cancer.”

 

On March 18, 2015, Rachel started the fight for her life.  Her fight would consist of countless rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, stem-cell transplant, and trial medications over the time span of 3 years.  

 

Sadly, Rachel never reached remission, her family only watched her cancer progress. Rachel’s treatment started at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas then moved to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Finally, Rachel was referred to Dr. Yael Mosse’ at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.  Rachel was the first child in the world to receive the Nepenthe Trial for Neuroblastoma ALK gene mutation, but like many other treatments she was on, it failed.  

 

Rachel went home to be with our Lord on Feb. 4, 2018.  Rachel never complained about treatment, or not having hair, she was always smiling and laughing, talking about her love for Jesus, her friends, pastors, teachers, and family. Rachel will certainly be missed, but her family is so grateful for the time they spent with her.