After being tucked into bed one night, nine-year-old Emilie Gibson shared a “bucket-list” dream with her father, Trey. Despite battling a rare pediatric brain cancer known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), Emilie expressed her wish to be a queen on a Mardi Gras float. In 2017, her dream became a reality as she rode a Highland Parade float, dressed as a pirate alongside her older brother Alex.
Emilie’s spirited personality, described as having a “sparkly rainbow unicorn-loving sense of style,” captivated hearts during her 13-month battle with DIPG, a disease for which there is currently no cure. Tragically, she passed away on Halloween Night in 2017, leaving behind a poignant question that fueled her legacy: Why isn’t there a childhood cancer float?
In response, Trey Gibson, an LSUS instructor, along with his wife Candi and a dedicated support team, initiated the creation of the childhood cancer float, debuting in the 2019 Highland parade. This year marks their fifth participation, showcasing two floats—a castle and a pirate ship—inspired by Emilie’s vision.
Children fighting cancer ride on these floats, tossing beads and throws to spectators along the historic streets of Shreveport. Despite the bittersweet memories, Gibson is determined to honor Emilie’s legacy by providing kids with a memorable experience. The event has grown from humble beginnings with a friend’s truck to the present, featuring their own trailers, a blow-up dinosaur, and unicorn.
Adding a philanthropic element, the “Fight Like Emilie Foundation” has transformed into a chapter of “The Cure Starts Now.” This national organization focuses on childhood cancer research, and attendees can now donate through a QR code on the floats. The proceeds support The Cure Starts Now Krewe of Emilie, helping cover costs for continued participation in the Highland Parade.
Emilie’s shirt slogan, “Just Keep Swimming,” inspired the foundation’s name, reflecting her resilience as a competitive swimmer. The Cure Starts Now’s collaborative approach has brought progress to DIPG research, with a registry of patients aiding in understanding the disease.
Despite the uphill battle in childhood cancer research funding, Gibson’s chapter plans year-round events. These include a social media campaign around Emilie’s birthday, a golf tournament in September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and participation in the “Giving First” fundraiser in November.
Emilie’s impact extends beyond her short life, creating a legacy of joy, awareness, and hope for children facing similar battles.