BRANDENBURG, KENTUCKY, April 1, 2026 – The Wilkins family encourages blood donations at the Boots and Bravery blood drive in honor of Emmalee Wilkins. This drive offers the public an opportunity to help maintain the blood supply and provide lifesaving support to patients in need.

Earlier this year, a concerning blood test at her pediatrician’s office led 11-year-old Emmalee to the emergency room at Norton’s Children’s Hospital for an emergency blood transfusion. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a form of cancer rarely found in girls her age. As of February, Emmalee has had regular blood and platelet transfusions in addition to 20 chemotherapy treatments, a bone marrow biopsy, spinal tap and genetic testing, with more treatment on the road ahead.

On Tuesday April 7, 2026, the Boots and Bravery blood drive in honor of Emmalee will take place at David T. Wilson Elementary School, 1075 Old Ekron Rd, Brandenburg, KY 40108 from 3 PM – 7 PM.

Emmalee is an active 5th grader and is well-known in her community. She’s a member of the Kentucky Junior High Rodeo and is a member of the Meade County 4H Club. She enjoys barrel racing and pole bending, 3D printing, and is teaching herself to crochet. She bought her horse, Rolo, with money she earned by selling 3D prints. She enjoys school and loves her teachers. The Brandenburg community has rallied around Emmalee and the Wilkins family to offer comfort, support, and financial donations towards her treatment.

The Wilkins family encourages all community members to donate blood and give back to kids like Emmalee. You can make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, downloading the Blood Donor App, or going to redcrossblood.org and entering keyword: bootsandbravery. Donors who give blood or platelets March 30-April 12 will receive an exclusive American Red Cross x Life is Good® T-shirt, while they last.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.