Join the Fight Against Childhood Cancer at Savannah’s 5K
On February 21st, Walk, Run or Roll Alongside a Community Committed to Raising Awareness and Fighting Back for One of Our Own
Savannah's Cancer Journey
Savannah Emery, a 14-year-old freshman at Horizon High School and Waterleigh resident, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in October 2025.
Since then, life has been turned upside down for Savannah and her family. She has become a long-term inpatient at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children as she undergoes extensive treatment.
AML is a rapidly progressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Symptoms could look like fatigue, fever, frequent infections and easily bruising. In Savannah’s case, she had none of these warning signs and symptoms.
Savannah first complained of what seemed like an abscess in her armpit, and her family immediately took her to a dermatologist the next morning. The infection turned out to be unrelated to the leukemia, but it was what led to the discovery.
Early on, Savannah’s family was told treatment could involve six to eight rounds of chemotherapy. Each round would include about 30 days of inpatient care, followed by a week at home before the next cycle began. After additional bone marrow and genetic testing, her doctors adjusted the plan. Savannah responded strongly to treatment, reached remission after cycles 1 and 2, and her care team ultimately recommended four total cycles.
In an Instagram update shared during the last week of January, Cherrie Emery (Savannah's mom) marked a major milestone: "Today, the last dose is behind us. She is in the neutropenic stage, waiting on count recovery. Chemo may be over, but the waiting is still hard, trusting that what hurt her body is also what will help it heal. But we couldn’t be more proud of how brave, strong, and courageous our girl is.”
Images Courtesy of The Emery Family
Waterleigh Community Rallies Support
In Waterleigh, Savannah’s family has found the kind of community that Horizon West is known for— the kind that shows up.
After Savannah was diagnosed with leukemia, neighbors reached out to Cherrie Emery with a plan to rally around her in a meaningful way: a 5K for Savannah. And while the day is centered on Savannah, the impact is meant to stretch further, raising funds that can help other kids in treatment and the families walking the same road.
Savannah’s 5K will officially kick off on Saturday, February 21st at 7:30 a.m. at Waterleigh Amenity Field (16150 Pebble Bluff Loop) with all proceeds going back to pediatric oncology at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and to Ronald McDonald House.
This deeply meaningful (and fun!) event will spotlight Savannah’s grit and celebrate all the children who fight back against cancer every day. At the event, you’ll find pop-up booths offering information about different ways to get involved including:
- Donate blood with OneBlood on-site and receive a $20 eGift card and a long sleeve shirt to show your contribution.
- Join the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) registry to help a person waiting for a life-saving match with a simple swab.
- When chemotherapy needs a backup, NMDP connects people who need bone marrow or stem cell transplants with donors who can save their lives.
- If you are between the ages of 18-35, you can join.
- Text Swab4Savy at 61474 to receive a kit at home if you are participating virtually or unable to attend
There also will be a DJ, food and refreshments from different local vendors, including Starbucks and Kelly’s Ice Cream, plus mental health support and resources, pet therapy demonstrations, interactive art and more.
Sign Up to Participate
You can participate in-person or virtually for Savannah’s 5K for $25. Included in your registration fee is a race bib and commemorative sticker to celebrate the event.
How to Register:
- Fill out this Google Form. Each runner must have a registration form and waiver filled out to participate.
- Please use this payment link through PayPal to register.
- If you’d like to receive a Savannah’s 5K t-shirt only, you can pre-order the t-shirt here.
If you need assistance or information, please contact Hilary Bilbeau 407-605-5588, the Lifestyle Director at Waterleigh.
Updated February 19, 2026:
To help make check-in quick and smooth on the morning of the event, they are offering early pickup for shirts and bibs. If you have not yet signed your waiver, you will be able to do so when you come to pick up your materials.
Thursday, Feb 19: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday, Feb 20: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
16150 Pebble Bluff Loop
Winter Garden, Fl 34787
Picking up early helps us streamline race-day check-in and gets you ready to go!
How Your Support Helps & Why Showing Up Matters
Savannah's 5K is more than just a fundraiser. It’s a community coming together through the sharing of powerful stories and the support of incredible partners looking to make an impact.
Showing up to support an event like this is a simple way to turn compassion into impact, supporting the care and resources that help families get through the hardest season of their lives.
“When the Emery family relocated to Florida, they intentionally built a strong community for themselves and their children. They consistently show up for others, often behind the scenes or without recognition. Seeing that same community come together to support them has been truly inspiring. Getting to watch people rally around them for this 5K is a powerful example of what community building is all about,” said Allison Stiefeld, one of the organizers of Savannah’s 5K.
And there’s room for everyone in that support. The Emery family encourages everyone to dress up and wear a fun costume! Whether you’ll be running, walking, coming to cheer on family and friends, or simply coming to learn more about how you can get involved, this event will be hopeful, welcoming and filled with love.
With strength and wisdom beyond her years, Savannah’s positive outlook inspires everyone around her. It’s a kind of resilience you cannot teach. Showing up for this event is one small way to reflect that same courage back to her and her family and to remind them they’re not carrying this alone.
You can follow along with Savannah’s journey on Instagram @Savannahs_Squad and learn more about Savannah’s 5K here.
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