Emma Depoorter
Sadly, Emma was only 8 years old when she passed away from a malignant brain tumor on October 10th 2016.
She was diagnosed on February 19th 2016 and operated on that evening, the operation seemed to go well and as follow up treatment she received a course of radiation therapy. Unfortunately the tumor reappeared so it was decided to start chemotherapy immediately. After several courses the chemotherapy had reduced the tumor by 90%, until August 2016, when the tumor returned in large numbers. Emma now endured a heavier course of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, this one was not successful.
What many people do not know is that the periods between chemotherapy treatments, place a heavy burden on a child. Regardless of the hair loss, Emma also had to learn to step back, and to talk. She lost a lot of weight during this time and had to be switched to tube feeding, as she was unable to eat during the treatment.
This all left a deep impression on Emma’s parents and after her death, they organized several fund-raisers for the Children’s Cancer Fund. After these fund-raisers the parents decided they wanted to raise more awareness and support for the rehabilitation of children with cancer. They believe it is very important that children can still be children during their illness. A disease which is already very debilitating for a child. but for them to also be confronted on a daily basis with the fact that they are no longer able to play with other children, go swimming, walking or go on holiday.
The rehabilitation centre of UZ Gent is so important in this process. With their own resources they offer the possibility to give children a holiday with all the possible help they need so that they can still feel like a child, which is so important in the healing process of children.
That is why Emma’s parents started the 4Emma VZW. All income from this VZW goes entirely to the Children’s Rehabilitation Centre UZ Gent.
The Children's Rehabilitation Center
The Children’s Rehabilitation Center UZ Gent guides and treats children between 0 and 16 years of age who are limited in their daily functioning due to acute locomotor or neurological problems. We have a rehabilitation agreement with the RIZIV (7.71).
In addition to classic rehabilitation, we want to go one step further with our children. Our creative team is always looking for the right match between therapy objectives and the environment of the child so that rehabilitation becomes a real challenge. How about training as a dolphin trainer? Tricks on a real horse? Is your own circus performance impossible? Making a live radio show? Practicing with a robot? Growing your own vegetables? We cook à la carte!
Rehabilitation tailored to the child requires extra resources and extra hands.
With your sponsorship or volunteer work we realize small and large projects that make the child forget his or her limitations for a moment!
Sponsor projects
Research
Which child does not dream of a Sinterklaas or Christmas party with nice presents? A quest for chocolate eggs hidden by the real Easter bunny? Just like the classmates on a school trip? A nice outing during the holiday periods? You can actively help us by organizing or sponsoring this in kind with chocolate, toys for all ages, entrance tickets, etc.
