My name is Emily, I am 15 years old and I have Myasthenia Gravis - a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, which are responsible for breathing and moving parts of my body, including my arms and legs.
I’ve been staying on and off at Ronald McDonald House Randwick since 2018 and at last count, my mum and I have stayed a total of 243 days so far. We have pretty much stayed in all the different rooms within the House.
What I have is incurable.
I have to live with this for the rest of my life.
I’m very lucky to have the support of my mum, Danielle. She is my best friend. Words can’t explain how she has helped me both physically and mentally. She is my rock!
I have also made so many friends over the years at the House. Many of my friends unfortunately passed away during my stay here but many more friends have fully recovered and now live healthy lives.
I met Wilbur when he was just a little puppy, running up and down the hallways of the House, being cheeky as he is.
Over the past few years, I would be going through a whole day worth of treatments and it really impacts your mental health. But walking back from the hospital to the House, I would start smiling as I could hear Wilbur bark. I love giving him cuddles and belly scratches. He really lifts my spirit.
With Wilbur, he makes you feel like you are at home as it brings back memories of my own dogs. It’s amazing that pets like Wilbur can lift your mood and they know how to make you happy!
If we can get more pets like Wilbur taking part in this year’s Paws for Sick Kids, it will give sick kids staying in the House the best medicine of all, laughter.
Thank you for taking part in this campaign! I cannot wait to see what your pet in action and make us all smile!
Love
Emily
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