To view this video, you need to download the latest version Flash Player.
Comments
Flu season is just about here. For some, getting a shot could save their life. For others, their immune system will take care of any diseases they get. But what if you don't have an immune system?
Any disease could be fatal to Emily Heaps, and not just the flu -- even the common cold can be deadly. Two months ago, she received another bone marrow transplant. Now, she's back home in Lehi, and her family is hoping, this time, the surgery works.
When 6-year-old Emily is coloring with her sister, everything seems so simple, so normal. "I like to be together with my sister a lot," she said.
But it takes a lot of work just to try and be normal. "Daily, we have to have everything disinfected. We have to clean the bathroom, the kitchen, and dust everything because dirt, alone, could kill her," explained Emily's mom, Jill.
You see, Emily was born with severe combined immune deficiency. It's a very rare disease which basically means she doesn't have an immune system.
KSL covered her story six years ago when her disease was first diagnosed. Her older sister donated bone marrow back then. This past summer, she donated more. "Because I love her and I just want the best for her. So, it's worth it to go into surgery and come back out so she can have a life," Jackie said.
It is a challenging life. Tubes feed her medicine every few hours. And when she goes outside or to the store, she often has to wear a mask. "Because you never know who might be sick with a cold, walking by you," Jill said.
But ever since the latest surgery, Emily is doing better. "If everything works well, then she'll be cured, and hopefully, she'll live a full life just like the rest of us," Jill said.
Medical insurance has covered some of the costs, but not all. That is why their neighbors are holding a benefit concert at Lehi Junior High School tonight.
"It's going to be just a wonderful night celebrating Emily's life," Jill said.
Emily's life is a lot better when it's spent at home instead of the hospital. "Because I get to be with my family a lot, and we don't have to be apart from each other," Emily explained.
Emily has to go to the doctor every week to have her blood cell counts checked. If everything goes well, there's even a chance she can go to school next year.
Her benefit concert starts at 7:00 tonight at Lehi Junior High. For more information on the concert, click the related link to the right of the story.
E-mail: acabrero@ksl.com
News |
Weather
Traffic |
TV
Sports
Opinion |
Radio |
Classifieds
Announcements
Events
Movies |
Advertise with KSL
Other Resources
Wireless
Legal
Sister Sites
|