Young Hanford girl's cancer returns, but that has not dampened her fighting spirit

HANFORD, Calif. (KFSN) -- Kings River-Hardwick School in Hanford welcomed back one of their favorite students. Even with a weakened immune system 10-yea-old Emily Carpenter brightened up the campus.

"It's fun because you haven't seen them in so long. They're like the best people to have behind you to help you get through this."

Emily's rare form of leukemia was in remission until a blood test revealed abnormalities. The San Francisco Giant fan may need a bone marrow transplant, so her school held a blood drive and marrow registry in her name.

"It makes me feel very, very, thankful for these people," said Emily.

Amparo Vryhof drives the school bus Emily rides in. She helped organize the blood drive.

"She always has a smile on her face. She's pretty positive through this whole process. I didn't even know she was sick again until they told us that she was not going to come to school the next day."

Faith Faria was among those giving blood. She lives in Emily's neighborhood so she knows what a sweet girl she is and how involved she can be during treatments.

"She can change her own IVs. She gives herself her own shots. Not only is she sassy and spunky but she's brave and she's learning all about it."

Kids on campus have also been selling wristbands and T-shirts for Emily's cause.

Emily must undergo a bone marrow biopsy but she said she is ready for whatever the next challenge may be.