Young Hampstead girl loses battle with cancer

HAMPSTEAD -- Last year we brought you the story of Emily Hollis, a little girl battling a cancerous tumor in her brain. We sadly report Emily lost her battle with cancer on Friday.

One year ago, family and friends gathered near the Hollis' Hampstead home, to welcome Emily back from five months of chemotherapy and full body radiation at Duke Children's Hospital.

Emily has made many headlines over the last two years, as she drew awareness to childhood cancer through her large support group known as Emily's Encouragers.

Her family will receive friends until 7:00 p.m. Sunday night at Andrews Mortuary, located at 17750 Highway 17 N. in Hampstead.

A celebration of Emily's life will be held Monday, April 21 at Barlow Vista Baptist Church, 22340 Highway 17 N. in Hampstead, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts should be made out to the church.

Money will go to supplies for craftroom at Duke Children's Pediatric Center.

Emily Grace Hollis was six years old.