Over $200K raised in history of Emma's Hope

• Walkers

People of all ages enjoyed the weather on Sept. 14 for the walk and took part, whether by foot, on bicycle or in a stroller. -- Submitted photos
• Dykes and Laehn

Connor Dykes and Emma Laehn, both cancer survivors. Connor was diagnosed with cancer when he was six-weeks-old. He is now five and in remission. Connor, who lives in Hudson, with parents Mindy and David and big sister Joselyn, were guests for this year’s cancer walk.

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PEPIN--Mother Nature played nice and, as a result, people turned out for the 12th annual Emma’s Hope walk, a fundraiser for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) Sept. 14 in Pepin.

The inspiration for Emma’s Hope came from Emma Laehn, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 1999. She is now cancer-free and is a sophomore at Pepin High School. Her parents are Angie and Shaughn Laehn, both teachers at Plum City Schools.

This year’s guests were the David and Mindy Dykes family of Hudson. Their five-year-old son, Connor, was diagnosed with cancer when he was two-weeks-old. Mindy spoke to those before the walk and shared their story.

“We learned he is truly a miracle,” Angie said. “We also learned that, because of the harsh treatments many of these children receive, they have lasting long-term effects--hearing loss and learning disabilities, to name a few.”

Walkers then strolled around the Pepin area in a three-mile course that wasn’t judged or timed.

For more please read the Sept. 26 print version of the Herald.

Tags: plum city, communities, health, wisconsin