Five-year-old cancer survivor gets hero's welcome

There's no place like home. Especially for five-year-old Emily Hollis. She's been battling cancer more than 150 miles away in Durham.

Thursday evening friends and family of Emily Hollis decorated the family's home and street with ribbons and signs. It's the first time Emily and her mother Dawn have been back home since thanksgiving.

"Coming around that corner it's just believeable having all the support," Dawn Hollis, Emily's mom said.

Most of Emily's five months away from home was spent in a hospital bed. She had to undergo full-body radiation, then chemotherapy to fight a cancerous brain tumor.

"I appreciate everybody's support. It's been unbelievable what she's been through," Dawn Hollis said.

The tumor was half the size of Emily's brain. Emily's mom knew that her daughter had a battle on her hands, one that she wasn't sure her little girl could win.

"The power of prayer is just unbelievable, I never even thought I would bring her back home," Dawn Hollis said.

The Hollis family credits the unwavering support and strength of their community. That's evident by the neighborhood turnout to welcome Emily home.

"Me and my pop, my dad, made this for Emily to hold up when she came by," Madi Moore, a Friend of Emily's said.

Emily will still have to go back to Durham another time before she's home for good. Her family says that will most likely happen in may.

While in the hospital she had tutors, so she's passed her kindergarten tests. Next year she'll go on to first grade.

Emily has a bright future to look forward to, but for this moment, it's the simple joys in life she's excited about.

"She is so ready to go in and see her room," Emily's mom Dawn said.

This Saturday a 3K Walkathon called "Emily's Day in the Park" will raise money for her family.

It's in Hampstead at the Kiwanis Park, starting at 9:30 am.