A young girl who overcame leukaemia four years ago is now helping her best friend through the same devastating illness.
Emma Bergeron, 11, of Chicago, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at just four years old and received the all-clear after her last treatment in 2014.
But just two years later, in September 2016, her neighbour Johnny Sorial, also 11, discovered he was suffering from the same disease after developing painful feet, fatigue and a complete lack of appetite.
Johnny credits Emma for being a source of hope while he endures grueling chemo, which triggered his severe anxiety.
Since having therapy, the youngster is feeling more positive and is set to have his last chemo session in November.
Emma Bergeron (right) - who overcame childhood leukaemia four years ago - is now helping her best friend Johnny Sorial (left) through the same devastating illness. Pictured after he was diagnosed, Johnny credits Emma for being a source of hope through his grueling chemo
Emma is pictured visiting Johnny at Advocate Children's Hospital, Chicago, where he has chemo delivered into his spine every three months. Johnny says Emma's visits just feel like seeing a friend and he is inspired by how she overcame the disease to become a 'normal kid'
Emma (left) and Johnny (right) set up a 'Lemonade for Leukaemia' stand, which raised $6,000 (around £4,770) for Lurie Children's Hospital, where Emma was treated. The middle child is unknown. The same amount of money has also been donated to Advocate Children's Hospital
Speaking of his condition, Johnny said: 'In the months before I was diagnosed I felt so tired and my feet really hurt. I was never hungry.
'When the doctors told me I had leukaemia, my immune system was so down and I was so tired, I didn't even register it at the beginning. I didn't even hear them. All I heard them say was it's a blood disease.'
Johnny initially dismissed his diagnosis and did not realise how serious his condition was until his first chemo session.
'At the start I really had bad anxiety especially during chemo when the doctors and nurses had to access my port [tube that administers drugs],' he said.
The youngster undergoes chemo that gets delivered into his spine every three months, as well as taking tablets every day.
On top of having therapy to help him cope with his anxiety, he has also called on Emma for support.
'Knowing Emma had been through it made me feel better because she's recovered now and like a normal kid again,' Johnny said. 'I looked up to her because it made me remember I will be better someday soon too.
'The best thing about Emma is she's so positive. When she visits me, even when I'm in hospital, it feels like just one of my friends coming over to visit.'
The pair love to spend time together, whether it be drawing or playing with Lego. And they are even
