Donate

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

The Scoops on Em


Aloha Friends and Family of Emalia. We're putting this blog out to help share information about what's going on with Em and to help organize help when it's needed. We'll update this page as we know more. Thank you so much for your love and support.
______________________________________________________________________________
The Story
Em went for a colonoscopy in May, and while that came back clear, subsequent symptoms led her back for a second scan. Thanks to the amazing fast-tracking of Dorien Romanchak those tests revealed Emalia has stage IV colon cancer that has gone into her liver.

What’s Happening Now?
Em, JB, Em's mom Brooke, and Kahalakea are now staying with Becky and Jane in San Francisco and met Tuesday with a wonderful and highly recommended GI oncologist at UCSF for treatment options. She is recommending that Emalia begin chemotherapy to shrink the tumors as soon as she returns to Maui this weekend. No more tests or scans will be done for 2-3 months while this chemo is underway. The path ahead will be dictated by the results of the chemo. 

We are starting a web group for those of you who have so generously offered to help. If you want to be apprised of when and what the Brown/Guard crew needs, please email me: becky@beckyworley.com. I'll put you on our list and when we have an idea of what JB and Em need, a sign-up email will go out. 


How’s Em?

Em is in some pain from the liver tumor which is also pressing on her stomach causing nausea. Otherwise she is feeling pretty normal. The amazing thing about Em right now is she is super positive and focused.  She and JB are so grateful for all the calls, texts, and offers of help, and while they won’t be able to answer all of them, they feel your love. Em is infinitely grateful, exhausted, and, as you can imagine, overwhelmed. She is focusing on Kahala, and he is obliging by providing comic relief, smiles, hugs, and lots of laughter.

How You Can Help?

To streamline communication we’ll be checking the comments here and passing them on to Em.  So sorry if we can’t get back directly; they so appreciate your positive thoughts and prayers.

From Em
"I look forward to seeing friends in the upcoming months because I know there will be tough times.  But because I have no idea how I'll be feeling, I'm going to take it day by day.  Check in with me on my cell phone to see if it's a good time to stop by because I don't want you to be sitting by yourself in the living room if I am sleeping!  :) Love you all!"

Questions

At this point in time if you have specific questions and need to talk to someone, please call Becky Worley 415-713-2053. 






56 comments:

  1. Thanks, Becky for keeping us all the in loop. It's difficult being so far away and not knowing what's going on. This helps a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Not a day goes by where I don't think of you and the Brown/Guard ohana. Thinking positive thoughts and sending lots of love and aloha your way. Brooke Tao

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thinking of you, Emalia! Sending you lots of love. XOXO Nicole

    ReplyDelete
  4. Emalia and family you are in my prayers. Aloha- Angelina

    ReplyDelete
  5. Emalia, this is Laura Robinson (now Wright). I went to Seabury just my senior year, and we didn't really know each other well, so you probably won't remember me. But I saw this note about you on the Seabury website and wanted to pray for you. I hope that's okay with you. I'm so sorry you are facing this. Dear "God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God..." please offer peace to Emalia and her family. Heal her utterly, body, soul, and spirit. Let her feel and experience your great love for her, Jesus. Thank you that you care about every detail of her life and what she is going through. Replace fear with trust in your goodness and your plan for her. In your name, I pray, Great Physician, amen.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am sending you so much love and strength as you navigate this challenge. You are such a spunky girl , that I have no doubt you will beat this.

    Much love and aloha,

    Sally Sefton

    ReplyDelete
  7. Em and JB - You and your families are in my heart and prayers. with love,
    Kalia

    ReplyDelete
  8. So sorry to hear about this. You were such a wonderful coach and PE teacher and I miss your beautiful smile Em! Stay strong!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Deb,Jeff,Kimber and KeoniSeptember 6, 2012 at 3:40 PM

    Hi Em and JB
    Thinking of you all up on the mainland. Your Dad is keeping us updated.
    Sending love and positive thoughts from both HI and CO!!Love you all!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Em and JB, you guys are the best! I'll be praying for you. Aloha - Jon

    ReplyDelete
  11. Em, you are in our thoughts and prayers as are JB and Kahala.. Keep positive. We love you!

    Diana and Rob

    ReplyDelete
  12. Aloha Em, JB, & Kahalakea... Sending the mana of Waialoha's healing spring waters from Kauai, along with our warmest aloha to your kino, min, and spirit. May Mauliola, the Aumakua, and your Kupuna share their healing warmth to you all.... Aloha nui,
    Paki, Mehana, Piko, & Pi'ina'e....

    ReplyDelete
  13. Emalia, my thoughts and prayers are with you and JB. I am so glad I was able to chat with you at the reunion, and meet JB! My memories of my time at Seabury would be incomplete without your beautiful smile and enthusiasm popping up. Blessings and Aloha, Erin (Hopper) Smith

    ReplyDelete
  14. We're here to support you, JB, Kahala and your entire family in any way possible in the coming months. We have been thinking of you constantly with love and prayers ... Irene and Chris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Em... Thinking of you all the time. Sending my love to you and your family. Much love and aloha. Emmy xxoo

      Delete
  15. Thinking of all of you and wishing there were something I could do to help. Your focus Em is undeniable and what you set your mind to, HAPPENS!!
    Love you guys lots, and sending tons of good energy! Abbie

    ReplyDelete
  16. Dear Emalia and JB,
    You have been in our prayers since the moment we heard. I am so glad you will be able to come home to do your treatment, surrounded by your family and ohana. Sending our love to you.
    Kristi and JB

    ReplyDelete
  17. Dearest Emalia, I haven't been in touch with you, but I've been keeping tabs on you for the past few yrs since I joined Facebook via your brother's page and through Becky. There has always been such fondness and aloha in my heart for you and that has never faded throughout the years. How I wish I could see your sweet and beautiful face in person. I will be thinking of you every day! And sending the best wishes and thoughts your way, always. XOXOXOXO

    (P.S. It's me, Melissa Krueger (now Glynn) -- I'm signed up as Julia's Bookbag b/c I write a blog on Google Blogger and am signed up that way with them, so I didn't want you to be confused who was writing to you here!)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Em, this is Chris Shepherd. It is amazing there are people we knew in high school, who we haven't seen in years, and yet, when we hear their name, it brings a smile to our face and warm feeling in our heart remembering all the good times spent together. Em, you are one of those people to me. I, and my family, are sending our thoughts, prayers, and love. If there is anything we can do, please do not hesitate to ask. I believe in the power of positive thinking.....so stay positive knowing we are all with you! Take Care Berf!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Em, JB, Kahala, All Browns and Guards. Sending my love and positive thoughts to you. Stay strong and the NY crew will be there in spirit (though some of us are apparently now in LA.) Lots and lots of love, Cat

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hey Em, I am keeping you in my heart and thoughts. You are a freakin' rock star and so strong and so full of light and love, you will kick this cancer's ASS. I send you love and light and healing and strength. All my best to you, lady!! Much aloha and love.
    Sam

    ReplyDelete
  21. Em and family
    You will be constantly in my thoughts and prayers. You are one of my dearest friends and I am here if you or your family need anything.

    Love
    Doug

    ReplyDelete
  22. Em and JB, Thinking about you guys. We will keep you in our hearts and prayers. With love, Mike and Christina Hartman

    ReplyDelete
  23. Dear Em, JB, and Kahala,
    Allison Rowland just emailed with the news... I don't understand the ways of the world, but I know that with your courageous spirit, the support of JB and your family, the strength of the community in Hawaii, and the love and light sent by friends from afar, you will conquer this thing. I am sending you all my love and support. Love, Madrelle,Brad, Takoa, and Del

    ReplyDelete
  24. Emalia,
    This is such shocking news, but I know you have the spirit, strength, drive and support of family and friends that will help you conquer this! When things don't go my way, I'm reminded of something I heard long ago that says, "the journey matters". I think of it like this... life's not perfect (we all know that), but it's these challenging experiences that help us realize how strong we really are, how positive we can remain in times of adversity, and how blessed we are and have been throughout our lives. I wonder if you realize what an amazing role model you have been to me over the years. You have shown me the blessings of having a positive attitude and seeing the good all around you. You, JB, Kahala and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers and I wish you all the courage and strength in the world to tackle cancer. I know you can do it! :) Please let me know if there is anything you need.

    Love and Aloha,
    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  25. Ema-bean,
    You are on my mind and in my heart all day long, every day. We are sending you, JB, and Kahalakea love, strength, and peace as you take each day 1 by 1.
    I'm here for you Em.
    Me ke aloha pumehana,
    Lyda, Kama, and 'Anolani

    ReplyDelete
  26. Emalia I am so sorry that you are going through this. You have always been one the best people I know. Always happy, friendly and so full of goodness and light, I am thinking about you and your family every minute of every day and sending as much aloha and light as humanly possible. Please don't hesitate to ask if there is anything I can do to help. You know I am just around the corner and I can stop by any time. Love you
    Samantha

    ReplyDelete
  27. Emalia- you are definitely in our thoughts here in Boston. A positive attitude will help you more than anything, and I know from just a few times meeting you that you have that in spades. Best of luck to you and your family. Love, Meg and the McLellan/Abbotts in Boston

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thinking of you every day with love and light.
    Auntie Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  29. Em, JB & Kahala you are in our thoughts and prayers every day. We are all here if you need anything at all. Ally, Warren and Maile

    ReplyDelete
  30. Auntie Em,
    From all the years i have known you, you have been one of the most positive and incredible people i had ever met. I was taken back by this news but like everything i know you will fight through! You are in my thoughts and in my prayers and can not wait to see you healthy again! My family and I are behind you 100% and we miss you dearly! come home soon! No Keia La, No Keia Po, A Mau Loa you are in our hearts!
    With love
    Ryan Glavor and The Jenkins Ohana Bill Riette Christian and Conner

    ReplyDelete
  31. Dearest Em & JB,
    Sending so much love and good thoughts your way, keeping you all in our hearts. Please let us know if there is any way we can support you.
    Blessings and big hugs,
    Nicoya & Grey

    ReplyDelete
  32. Dear Emalia,
    I love you more than you know!! I am so sorry that you are going through this, and I am praying for you with all my heart and all my strength and all my love. You, who is SO strong, SO positive, SO beautiful inside and out, SO peaceful and kind, YOU can get through this. I truly, truly believe God gave you this challenge, because if anyone could get through it, and BEAT it, it would be YOU. If He was to give all who know and love you a lesson...a lesson of what it means to be determined, of what it means to be positive, strong, faithful, loving, and courageous, he chose YOU to give that lesson. Em, you have truly always stood out in my life, which you may have not known....I've ALWAYS regarded you as one of the sweetest, most beautiful, most endearing friends I've ever met. Thinking and praying for you every, every day. SO MUCH LOVE coming your way. God bless you, JB, and Kahala, and all your family.
    Love, Teryn and family

    ReplyDelete
  33. Aloha Emma,

    Just wanted you to know that we love you and are sending positive and healing thoughts and prayers your way. Love you always.

    Love,
    Brynly, Aaron, and Luluka

    ReplyDelete
  34. Cee Cee Sheehan SimmonsSeptember 7, 2012 at 6:12 PM

    Dearest Emalia, JB, Kahala -

    We are just hearing the news and wanted to send you our love and strength from Hanalei. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With your positive spirit and the love and support of your family and friends, miracles will happen! Keep loving your little guy and he will keep you focused on beating this. Let us know if there is anything we can do . . . Blessings to you all....

    XO, Cee Cee Barry Emma and Abby

    ReplyDelete
  35. Liana Mancini HorovitzSeptember 8, 2012 at 3:48 AM

    Dear Emalia and JB,

    Sending our aloha and prayers to you around the corner from Kula. Please let us know if we can make a meal, run an errand, lend a helping hand in any way. How ever we can support you, we are here.

    Much love,
    Liana (Mancini) and Peter Horovitz

    ReplyDelete
  36. Dear Emalia and JB,
    Keeping you in my heart and sending you my love and prayers.
    Much love, Hilary Parker

    ReplyDelete
  37. Dear Emalia, JB, and Kahala,
    We just found out the news yesterday and want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need absolutely anything, please do not hesitate to call. We are here for you. The world of medicine can sometimes be tough to navigate--please know that I am available,anytime, if you have any questions or if you just need a listening ear. Take strength in knowing that you are loved and thought of by many and that you will have a network of ohana and support throughout this process.

    Love,
    Kimmie, John, Esken, and Nanea

    ReplyDelete
  38. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Lance and Ellen Anderson

    ReplyDelete
  39. Speedy recuperation i ka 'ola pono! Anything at all, let me know. Dan Cohen, Makawao

    ReplyDelete
  40. Michele Milovina HakakhaSeptember 9, 2012 at 8:25 PM

    Em,
    You have been a tough cookie ever since we met ( when u were 8, I was 7 and Heather was 5). I know you will get through this....please know that you and your family are in my daily thoughts and prayers and if there is anything we can help with, medical or otherwise, we will be there. Love u guys SO much!!
    Michele (Milovina), Mike, Leila and Ava Hakakha

    ReplyDelete
  41. EM. JB'S, and Kahala,
    Everything you have done for Cory is coming back to you......all the love and support throughout the years has meant more to us than words can express. Now it is your turn to ask us for help. Anything you may need in the coming days, weeks, or month. please do not hesitate. We both love you to pieces and hope you know how much you are loved by so many. We are all much better people having you in our life...your kind nature and cheerful, positive attitude is a testament of who you are !

    JB, if you just need a beer and a friend, Iam pretty good at that from what I have been told !!!

    Take Good Care,
    Love You
    Margie and Cory

    ReplyDelete
  42. Ema-Girl! Glad you are back home with your family. I just wish I lived on Maui so I could come give you a hug everyday! You have brought endless love and joy to so many of us. Please know that that love and blessing is being poured right back at you. Geeve Um Em! Love , Kath

    ReplyDelete
  43. My dear Emalia If this is the second time you've heard from me in 5 minutes, please excuse .... as one of your "old geezer" friends, I don't quite get the blog thing .... slow learner! But this is awesome and you've got love and positive thoughts pouring in from everywhere!!! The Higgins Ohana sends their love to you, JB, Kahalakea, and your entire family. Love Aunty MH

    ReplyDelete
  44. EmalIa,

    Love to all of you!! Prayers are over flowing from heaven for all of you.....or as they say in GA YA'LL...we love you Emalia!
    Love & aloha,
    Auntie Barb & Baird cousins

    ReplyDelete
  45. Emalia and family,
    My prayers are with you. I am certain your amazing spirit will help you triumph. Giant Hugs. The other Em

    ReplyDelete
  46. I have had the pleasure to know and Love Em and JB for many years. I lived in Maui and paddled with both. I am on Oahu and am here to help with any thing I can. A ride from the airport , a place to stay etc. A Prayer Daily is what I am doing at this time!

    Love You
    Jenni MacLean Horner
    227 9255

    ReplyDelete
  47. Fight to Live, Love & Laugh. You do all those things beautifully, and always have. And if you get nauseated again, try taking your fist out of your mouth! (9th grade - French class) Love & Aloha, K8.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Mahalo, Becky! Please give our love and aloha to Em and JB. - Ben and Mahina Martin mahinamartin@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Emalia,

    Good thoughts and prayers from your San Francisco cousin Mary and our whole family: Dan, Eliza and Ryan and little Ainsley, and Martha.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Emalia - we just heard the news while away from Maui last week. You have been and continue to be such a loving, strong and positive role model for all of us - even during this tough time. We are praying for you daily and ready to help however we can. All our love, Mike, Sharon, Alex and Carly Wright

    ReplyDelete
  51. Thinking of you and your family all day, every day.
    Love,
    Auntie Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  52. Dear Emalia, JB and Kahala -- If there is anything we can do at all at anytime... please let us know. If you should ever find yourself at MMMC and need assistance please call me at 442-5108 or 280-1175. There is no doubt that you will beat this. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
    Much love, Auntie Carol, Bri and Shannie Boy...

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hey Emalia
    I left a silk slip in a bag and forgot to put the card in! There is also a chocolate shake, if you fancy it and it feels good I can bring more. {Best if put in blender with ice}
    So much love flowing to you and your beautiful family.
    You are so strong and amazing. Keep listening to your body as you are the expert on yourself. IF you feel up to it is may be helpful to keep a journal to track symptoms and responses to all the meds.
    We will sign up for doggie walking.
    Keep taking it a day at a time, you are an inspiration to your loving community.
    Aloha
    Emma Brook et al.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I think of you everyday. I send you strength and light in your fight. You are one of the strongest people I know and you will get through this.
    I am in the middle of directing a play, but I would love to bring you dinner. I am sending you love from Kula xoxoxo

    sally

    ReplyDelete
  55. Dear Emalia, Starbuck ohana is thinking about you and sending aloha your way. We are cheering for you, and looking forward to your recovery.

    Me ke aloha pumehana,

    Cheyenne & Hannibal

    ReplyDelete