Praying for Emily

Discover the incredible true story of Emily Whitehead, the first child to receive CAR-T cell treatment for her leukemia -- and learn how her family's faith journey guided them in the fight for her life.




When their five-year-old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia, Tom and Kari Whitehead's world was shattered. They vowed to do whatever it took to help their daughter, and as they made decisions about how to best treat her, Tom found his faith coming to him in "whispers," guiding his decisions and keeping his hope alive, while Kari placed great faith in science and the doctors surrounding her little girl. But as Emily's condition continued to worsen, they both prayed for a miracle.






Then, their miracle arrived, in the form of an experimental treatment called CAR-T cell therapy that, against all odds, saved Emily's life. Because of Emily's miraculous recovery, this treatment is now used widely to treat cancer and has gone on to save hundreds of lives and promises to help thousands more. For all the acclaim and attention this important new approach to treating cancer has received, few know the full story of all it took to make this miracle happen.




In Praying for Emily, the Whiteheads share their story, recounting the belief, resilience, and support that got them through the most difficult time of their lives.

Tom, Kari, and Emily Whitehead are co-founders of the Emily Whitehead Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research. The foundation was created in honor of Emily who was diagnosed at age five with an aggressive form of leukemia that failed to respond to chemotherapy. As a last hope, Emily was enrolled in a clinical trial and became the first child in the world to receive the pioneering cancer treatment called CAR T-cell therapy. The therapy worked, and Emily remains cancer free.




The Whitehead Family travels worldwide as keynote speakers to inspire others and advocate for research funding to develop less toxic childhood cancer treatments. When they aren't traveling, Tom works as a journeyman lineman for a power company, and Kari is a Registered Dietitian. Emily attends high school and plans to become an artist or filmmaker. The Whiteheads live in Central Pennsylvania with their chihuahua named Luna.





Author and journalist Danelle Morton has collaborated on sixteen books including four New York Times bestsellers.