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Eight year old Emily McCann of Apex came to the N.C. Cancer Hospital at the end of December bearing gifts. She brought money to help meet the needs of pediatric cancer patients, but she also brought cheer, comfort and hope.

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Emily McCann and Johanna Valera
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Emily decorating the boxes with her mother, Stephanie McCann

Inspired by her church to do something to make the world a better place, Emily decided to use her time and talent to earn money to buy wigs for children going through cancer treatment.

Emily’s mother Stephanie McCann recalls that while discussing how she would like to help, Emily simply said, “I would like to help kids who don’t have any hair be able to get wigs.” Stephanie explained to her daughter that those are children who have cancer, and Emily said she understood that and wanted to help.

Emily earned money by doing odd jobs for family, friends and neighbors in exchange for donations. Her work included serving as a mother’s helper, yard work and cleaning windows. Many people, including groups from the family’s church, made donations simply because they were so moved by Emily’s effort to serve others. Before long, she had raised over $1,600.

On December 30th, Emily and her family visited the N.C. Cancer Hospital’s Patient and Family Resource Center (PFRC) and presented a check for $1,685 to be used to purchase wigs for pediatric cancer patients. They decorated some wig boxes with cheerful stickers and made cards with good wishes for patients.

Johanna Valera, 18, came to the PFRC to pick out a wig during Emily’s visit. The two girls spent some time talking while Johanna tried on wigs. There were smiles all around as Emily helped Johanna select the perfect wig with beautiful long dark brown hair.

Tina Shaban, RN, manager of the PFRC explains, “Emily’s gift has allowed us to purchase some wigs with youthful styling and coloring that closely resemble the natural hair of our young patients.” Shaban added, “It was a real privilege to meet this young lady who worked so hard to help others in need.”

Emily encourages others to reach out in service to others saying, “If you have a feeling in your heart that you should help someone you should do it.”