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NORTHBROOK, Ill. -- They met outside at the start of the school day, dressed in full uniforms – music and instruments in hand. Some 40 members of the Northbrook Junior High wind ensemble marched down the street, not for a parade – for a fellow musician.

Trucks drove in the large instruments and stands; as quietly as they could, the full band set up its performance formation on the street outside the home of 8th grade flutist Emily Erickson, who just returned home after a six-week hospital stay following a kidney transplant – one week after the group’s final performance.

Grinning ear to ear, a surprised Emily walked out of her home and into her favorite school activity. After the presentation of her end of year award ribbon, Emily was right back in the game, playing alongside the friends she missed so dearly.

Emotional friends and family watched on, including mom Judy – also in recovery for donating her kidney to Emily.

Emily’s happiness today temporarily erased the tough times this family has been through. As for Emily? She was a little shocked, a little overwhelmed, and very excited to get back to her normal life ... and her band.

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