Emma King, a vibrant 40-year-old mother of three and a dedicated fitness enthusiast, began experiencing troubling digestive issues in 2017. Initially dismissed as food intolerances and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by doctors, her symptoms worsened over the next two years, including dramatic weight loss. Despite her deteriorating health and persistent discomfort, particularly on her right side, no scans were conducted to investigate the underlying cause. Emma, keenly aware of her own body, knew that her symptoms were more than just a dietary issue, but her concerns seemed to be overlooked.
In August 2019, after two years of escalating symptoms, Emma finally underwent a CT scan. The results revealed a devastating truth: a mass on her pancreas that had spread to her liver. Diagnosed with incurable pancreatic cancer, Emma embarked on a challenging journey of chemotherapy treatments, supplemented with CBD oil, to manage the disease. The news shattered her family, who rallied around her, providing unwavering support throughout her ordeal. Emma’s husband, Nick, her childhood sweetheart, along with their three children, twin daughters Betty and Olive, and son Ernie, became her constant companions.
Just a few months after her diagnosis, Emma’s condition worsened, and she was hospitalized with pneumonia in December 2019. Facing the prospect of spending Christmas in the hospital, Emma’s determination and the unwavering support of her family saw her miraculously return home just in time for the holidays. That Christmas, surrounded by her loved ones, became a cherished memory, a beacon of joy and togetherness amidst the encroaching darkness of her illness.
Despite the setback, Emma and her husband, Nick, held onto hope, clinging to the dream of a family trip to Disneyland Paris. Sadly, Emma’s deteriorating health made travel impossible, forcing them to cancel their plans. However, the local charity, Hayley’s Heroes, stepped in, offering the family a magical trip to Lapland UK instead. Tragically, Emma’s condition prevented her from experiencing this gift, a poignant reminder of the relentless progression of her disease. Undeterred, Emma’s community, forming “Emma’s Army,” rallied to her side, raising over £40,000 for alternative treatments, a testament to the love and support she inspired.
As 2020 drew to a close, Emma’s health continued to decline, with new lumps appearing on her back. Her chemotherapy treatments ceased to be effective, and hormone injections offered no relief. Yet, despite the relentless progression of the disease, Emma remained resolute, focusing her remaining energy on one final Christmas with her children. She summoned her strength to witness her children opening their presents on Christmas morning, a precious last moment of joy before her health took a dramatic turn for the worse.
On January 4, 2021, Emma received the devastating news that she had only a week to live. With extraordinary courage, she used her final days to prepare her children for her passing, shielding them from the pain of witnessing her final moments. Three days before her death, she sent them away, ensuring their memories of her remained untouched by the harsh reality of her final moments. On January 11, 2021, surrounded by her mother, stepfather, and devoted husband, Nick, Emma peacefully passed away at the age of 43.
Due to Covid restrictions, Emma’s funeral was limited to 30 attendees, yet her community lined the streets to pay their respects, a moving tribute to the life she had lived and the impact she had made. The funds raised for Emma’s alternative treatments were redirected towards her children’s university fund, a lasting legacy of her love and dedication to their future. Emma’s family continues to honor her memory by raising funds for Pancreatic Cancer Action and supporting pancreatic cancer research. Her sister, Lydia, ran the London Marathon in Emma’s name, raising over £5,000, fulfilling a dream Emma herself had always held.
Emma’s sister, Hayley, determined to make a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer, shares Emma’s story to raise awareness of the disease and its often-subtle initial symptoms. She urges everyone to participate in the ‘Give It Up for PanCan’ campaign, encouraging people to give up something meaningful to them for a month, raising funds for Pancreatic Cancer Action and supporting vital research. Emma’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of early detection and the need for greater awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research. Hayley’s advocacy honors her sister’s memory and strives to prevent other families from experiencing the same devastating loss. She emphasizes the insidious nature of pancreatic cancer, often diagnosed too late for effective treatment, highlighting the need for vigilance and early intervention.
Pancreatic cancer, often referred to as a silent killer, frequently presents with vague and easily dismissed symptoms, making early diagnosis challenging. Symptoms such as indigestion, persistent tummy or back pain, changes in bowel habits (diarrhea and/or constipation), pale and oily stools, unexplained weight loss, and jaundice should be promptly investigated by a medical professional. Although these symptoms can be indicative of other, less serious conditions, it’s crucial to rule out pancreatic cancer, particularly if multiple symptoms are present. Increased awareness and understanding of these symptoms are essential in improving early detection rates and ultimately saving lives.
Emma’s story underscores the critical need for increased awareness and research funding for pancreatic cancer. While it remains one of the deadliest cancers, claiming numerous lives daily, it receives disproportionately low research funding. Early detection is crucial, as many cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited. By sharing Emma’s experience, her family hopes to encourage people to be more attuned to their bodies, advocate for themselves when experiencing persistent symptoms, and support initiatives that advance pancreatic cancer research and improve patient outcomes.
