Tomorrow, October 29th, marks a heart-wrenching milestone for a young girl whose courage and determination have inspired so many. Ten years ago, Elsa Wiemerslage, only five years old, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Today, as a 15-year-old, Elsa remains in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, fighting harder than ever.
The first photo of Elsa, taken back in 2015 when she was first diagnosed, captures the innocence of a young child, unaware of the life-altering journey ahead of her. Her wide, hopeful eyes spoke volumes about the promise of life before the battle began. The three recent photos, sent by her father, Kevin, just last night, show a brave, determined girl who has endured unimaginable pain and suffering, yet continues to fight with every ounce of strength she has.
For the past decade, Elsa has been living in a world where regular hospital visits, treatments, and countless procedures are the norm. But it’s not just the regular treatments that have marked her fight — it’s the relentless courage with which she’s faced the unimaginable. Elsa has undergone three stem cell transplants and has participated in a groundbreaking Natural Killer (NK) cell trial, each new step a testament to her strength and the unwavering love and support of her family.
This is the grim reality of childhood cancer: it’s not just about the diagnosis but about the years of painful, life-saving treatments, the uncertainty, the ups and downs, and the toll it takes not only on the child but on the entire family. Elsa’s story is one of resilience, a journey that no child should ever have to endure, yet one that so many do. The fight is long, and it’s exhausting, but Elsa and her family have never given up.
As Elsa’s family marks this painful 10-year milestone tomorrow, they are asking for one thing — your prayers and positive energy. Elsa’s mother, Adrienne, shared a heartfelt message yesterday, saying, “If you could spare a few minutes, Elsie could use some prayers and positive vibes sent her way. Thank you for loving and supporting our girl through the years.” These words, simple yet profound, are a plea for the strength to carry on, for the hope that the journey is worth it and that Elsa can feel the love that surrounds her.
In the face of unimaginable adversity, Elsa’s spirit remains unbroken. While her body has endured so much, her heart and mind continue to fight with the same determination that has carried her through the past ten years. The love and support from her family, friends, and everyone who has followed her journey have been her anchor. They are the reason Elsa has the strength to keep fighting, and they are the reason she believes in the possibility of brighter days.
Tomorrow, as Elsa and her family reflect on the past decade, they are not only remembering the pain and the hardships, but also the incredible strength and resilience that have defined their journey. And as they mark this milestone, they are asking for one more thing: to send Elsa your prayers, love, and positive energy.
Because for Elsa, the fight is far from over, but with your support, she will continue to fight with all the courage and strength she has shown for the past 10 years. Let’s send her all the love and healing energy we can muster, and let’s remind her that she’s not alone in this battle.
Elsa’s story is a testament to the power of love, hope, and perseverance. As we honor her fight, let’s remember that childhood cancer doesn’t just affect the children who are fighting it — it impacts entire families, entire communities. But through it all, the power of prayer, support, and positive energy is something that can truly make a difference.
Elsa, we are all standing with you. Your bravery has touched our hearts, and we will continue to fight alongside you, cheering you on every step of the way.