Tip of the Month Recipient | The Gudeman Family

All tips the month of September will be given to the Emma Gudeman family of Rockford. Emma is 13 years old, the daughter of John and Tracy Gudeman, and the sister to Elizabet (15). John is currently an independent contractor- analyst at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, and Tracy is a stay at home caring for her two daughters. 

At 3 years old, Emma was diagnosed with Plexiform Neurofibromatosis Type 1, a genetic disorder marked by the growth of noncancerous and cancerous tumors on nerves and throughout her body. Doctors also discovered two brain tumors, which are non-operable due to location. At age 5, it was discovered that Emma had a tumor in her left leg that had eaten through her bone. Due to this, Emma had surgery to remove the tumor and a rod put in her leg for stability. 

In November 2025, it was discovered again that Emma’s left leg developed many painful tumors. Emma’s parents got the devastating news that with Emma’s condition, the only viable option was amputation of Emma’s leg below the knee to prevent it from spreading and growing. In February 2026, Emma underwent a 6-hour surgery to have her leg amputated. The surgery was successful; however, Emma now has a prosthetic leg and wheelchair to help her live life as normally as possible. Emma will continue to have multiple doctor visits and undergo surgeries throughout her life to help treat her disease. 

Emma enjoys playing her PlayStation and Nintendo Switch and making bracelets. Let us keep the Gudeman family in our prayers. Your generous donations will help pay for Emma’s ongoing medical bills. Thank you and God Bless!

September 2026