Lemonade for Emme

When Vestavia resident Aimee Nichols’ 8-year-old daughter Emme became sick on a May vacation, it didn’t seem too out of the ordinary. 

She complained of a headache, stomach problems and neck pain. Thinking it was strep throat or mono, they took her to the pediatrician and were told it was viral and could last about a week. Five days later, Emme was still complaining of a headache. Back at the doctor’s office, she tested positive for strep throat.

“It was like she was getting better, then she would regress,” Aimee said.

In early June, on the way to Vacation Bible School, Aimee realized something was wrong when Emme was acting out of character and irritable. Their pediatrician sent the family to the Children’s Hospital ER for a meningitis test. 

After meeting with several doctors and nurses, the family found themselves sitting in the ER hearing about something worse than strep throat or meningitis.

“That night is when our lives forever changed,” Aimee said. “We were told that Emme had a brain tumor that was cancerous.”

As time started to blur for the Nichols family, they were notified that Emme would have surgery to remove the tumor. Aimee said her emotions were unexplainable. 

Surgery day was 11 hours long and involved two surgeries and two rounds of anesthesia. Aimee said a friend started a prayer vigil that lasted from 5 a.m.- 5 p.m. that day with three people praying each hour. 

“It was a day we will never forget,” Aimee said. “A day that was full of fear and peace, a day full of love and friendship.”

During this time, the Nichols’ neighbors held a lemonade stand that raised $800 for the family. VHEW Principal Kim Hauser and Librarian Carla Johnson stopped by the stand. Friends also sold purple bows for people to attach to their mailboxes in honor of Emme and created a “take a meal” website as well as a CaringBridge site for the family.

 “They made sure our other two children were cared for and had what they needed,” Aimee said. 

On June 15, the family found out that Emme’s tumor was benign and she would not need chemotherapy. Today, the doctor’s appointments continue as Emme starts a new school year. She is thankful for the Vestavia Hills community and the endless support that has flooded in for Emme. 

“Vestavia is a great place to live that rallies when someone is in need,” Aimee said.