Our ambassadors are the inspiration for our Guild. Each ambassador designs an ornament that is as unique as they are.
Each year the Friends for Life Guild selects an ambassador from Seattle Children’s Hospital who has previously or is currently battling cancer.
The ambassador is honored with the privilege of selecting the color and design of that year’s ornament. The children enjoy the responsibility of selecting the colors, and their creativity and excitement are fun to watch.
Even more inspiring is seeing these children’s commitment to a cure for cancer. They understand that their efforts contribute to new research and the development of new treatments. These young people want to make a difference in the lives of other children battling cancer.
Our Guild Ambassadors
2012 – Emerson
Emerson is just 4 years old, but is battling Cancer. She loves pink, purple and everything princess!
Emerson
2011 – Owain
Owain was our 2011 Ambassador. Owain, Dylan and Mom and Dad worked hard to educate people about the need for childhood cancer research. Owain is an amazing kid!
- Owain, An Amazing Kid
2010 – Jackson
Jackson as a Toddler Undergoing Cancer Treatment
On September 6, 2005 Jackson awoke from his morning nap with a diaper filled with bloody urine. Five hours later, after he was examined by his pediatrician and multiple ER
Jackson at 6, Enjoying the Beach
doctors, an ultrasound of his abdomen revealed a mass on his left kidney. At 15 month old, Jackson had cancer. Despite a rough ride through treatment, Jackson beat incredible odds. Today he is cancer-free, and living a relatively “normal” life. He and his family are very lucky. However his battle with cancer left marks. Chemotherapy damaged his heart and lone kidney. As time has passed, the visits to the oncologist have been replaced by appointments with the cardiologist and nephrologist. The goal has moved from beating cancer to helping his organs stay healthy so that they can support him through a long and active life.
Autumn during Treatment
2009 – Autumn
Autumn is undergoing a lengthy treatment program for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Prior to her diagnoses, Autumn was a fun-loving pre-teen who loved playing soccer. Like all of the kids before her, Autumn is experiencing the extreme difficulties that come with the treatment. She has experienced much pain and discomfort as the doctors try to find the best treatment plan for her. Her mom, Erinn, is her champion. She continues to be her finest advocate as she monitors the tough treatment program and watches the health of her beautiful daughter continually change. Her dad is in the Coast Guard and he just recently returned home after a lengthy tour away from his family. They have a great group of friends and family who support them.
Anelia during Treatment
2008 - Anelia
In February 2008, Anelia was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. She has had surgery and has completed treatment at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Anelia is your typical teenager. She loves talking on the phone with her friends and hanging out with her family. Anelia is from Yakima Washington. While she was in treatment, she missed her four sisters very much. She is thrilled to be done with treatment and is living life to the fullest. Anelia’s family and friends provide her with an enormous amount of support and have an extremely positive outlook on life and her battle with cancer.
- Skyler and Natalie showing their ornaments
2007 – Skyler
When Skyler was just six years old, he made a gigantic list of what he wanted to do in his
Skyler Speaks at a Guild Event, 2010
lifetime. The main theme within his list was his passion to teach people about God and is unwavering faith in God. Who was to know that just a few short months later, Skyler and his family would come to rely so heavily on that faith.
On August 13th 2006, Skyler was admitted to Seattle Children’s Hospital having been diagnosed with metastic medulloblastoma, a cancer of the brain and spinal column. He was only 7 years old. After numerous surgeries; countless rounds of chemotherapy and over 30 radiation treatments, Skyler is done with his treatment. Skyler experienced many side effects from his treatment. He continues to improve every day. He now speaks on behalf of the guild and the need for increased cancer research funding.
- Natalie and her sister, Anna
2006 – Natalie
Natalie was a typical first grader who enjoyed playing sports, singing, playing with her
Natalie Packaging Ornaments, September 2010
dolls and friends. On April 21, 2006, her life changed dramatically. Natalie was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). She was immediately admitted to Children’s hospital to begin an intense six month chemotherapy regimen which required that she be admitted for the majority of the period. Throughout the treatment, Natalie has maintained her lively personality and zest for life. Her ability to laugh was an asset as she encountered situations that few kids her age had to face. Natalie was in remission for 18 months. In 2008, she relapsed and underwent a bone marrow transplant. She has experienced side effects from her treatment, but is well and living life with passion and zest!