11-year-old Norton Children’s patient spreads joy while fighting leukemia
While fighting leukemia at Norton Children’s Hospital, 11-year-old Emmalee Wilkins has taken on another mission: lifting the spirits of the children and staff around her.
Emmalee has been a patient at Norton Children’s since February. Staff members say when she comes down the halls on the hospital’s seventh floor, her energy is hard to miss.
"It’s going to be a good time," said Madeline Klozik, a certified child life specialist.
What started with a sign in Emmalee’s hospital room window grew into something much bigger. More than $3,000 has been donated, and businesses have contributed free pizza and donuts for patients, families and staff.
"This is my second donut party and I think third pizza party," Emmalee said.
On Friday, she handed out boxes of donuts from her favorite bakery in her hometown of Brandenburg.
"These are my favorites. Here you go," Emmalee said.
Her favorite donut? Chocolate with sprinkles.
"I think my favorite one is chocolate and sprinkles one," she said.
Friends say the treats are about more than sweets. Emmalee’s friend, Finley Singleton, said her kindness is helping others find joy during difficult days.
"Even though we’re going through a hard time, we can still find happiness and joy," Finley said.
Emmalee said that is exactly why she keeps doing it.
"Some kids are going through a whole lot more than I am, and I just want to help," she said.
Hospital staff says her efforts have helped create a healing environment on the unit.
"The special events that people like Emmalee like to do create such a wonderful and healing environment and bubble up here," Klozik said. "Even on those hard days, you can find the love and joy and support in everyone."
For Emmalee, the goal is simple.
"I feel really good because I love to see other people smiling," she said.
