Emma E. Booker School community rallies around student battling leukemia

SARASOTA, Fla. — Over the past two months, 11-year-old Stevie Robinson, student at Emma E. Booker Elementary School, has been surrounded by the support of his classmates and school community following his diagnosis with an aggressive form of leukemia.

Among those offering support is Amber Rylak, a former Emma E. Booker Elementary School teacher and current development officer for the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. Rylak has remained close to Robinson and his family throughout his hospitalization.

On Thursday, Nov. 6, Robinson was rushed to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital after suddenly becoming ill. After a bone marrow test, it was determined he had an aggressive form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. His condition deteriorated rapidly, with leukemia spreading to his brain, and two days later, doctors told the family he had approximately two hours left to live.

Since the diagnosis, Rylak has been present at the hospital, meeting with Robinson’s medical team and supporting his parents.

“Twice the family has been asked to gather to say goodbye,” said Rylak. “Doctors discussed removing life support, explaining there was less than a five percent chance of survival and that if he did survive, he would likely remain in a vegetative state. Handprints were made in preparation for what we were told was inevitable.”

Throughout the uncertainty, Robinson’s family, friends and fellow classmates have shown unwavering support, remaining rooted in prayer, faith and belief that his story wasn’t over. His handprint has been on display in the classroom, and classmates give it a high-five each day.

On Thursday, Dec. 18, doctors reported that they could no longer detect leukemia in Robinson’s body. He is awake, responsive, moving his arms and legs, and his brain is showing signs of healing. He has been moved out of the ICU and continues to defy medical expectations. While he still faces a road ahead with cognitive and physical therapy, his recovery has left both family and medical staff stunned.

“This Christmas season, Stevie’s story is reminding so many in our community that miracles still happen, even when all hope seems lost,” said Rylak.

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[Photo 1 attached: Stevie Robinson]

[Photo 2 attached: Deandre Dexter high-fiving Robinson’s handprint]

For more information, please contact:

Candice Brown-McElyea

Candice@oneeightohpr.com