Emily is a beautiful 18-year-old who has been a fighter since the very beginning.

At birth, her family was told she would likely never leave the NICU and if she did, she would never walk, talk, see, hear, smile, or even breathe on her own. They were told she would never see her first birthday.

She did.

Then her second.

Then her third

On that third birthday, her neurologist stopped making predictions and said something her family still holds onto today… Emily is writing her own story.

And she continues to do just that.

Emily lives with complex medical needs including hydrocephalus, epilepsy, restrictive lung disease, and significant GI complications that have required multiple feeding tubes. She is unable to walk, talk, or sit independently and relies on her family for all of her care. Over the years, she has endured more than 100 hospital admissions and countless procedures, including life-threatening moments her family has had to face head-on.

Most recently, their focus has shifted to something both simple and critical… keeping Emily safe, stable, and out of the hospital.

After a very difficult stretch of severe illness, her family is doing everything they can to protect her health, especially as they prepare for an upcoming surgery. Even a minor illness could delay care, so for now, their world has become smaller as they prioritize her safety.

As Emily grows, so do her needs.

She currently uses a power wheelchair, which has been an incredible resource, but it comes with limitations. It requires a specialized van, and when that van is unavailable, the family is unable to leave the house with her. It also limits how long they can be out and what activities Emily can participate in.

Their current goal is to provide Emily with a lightweight, foldable wheelchair that offers the support she needs while allowing more flexibility, accessibility, and moments of normalcy. While it may seem like a simple solution, the cost for a chair that meets her medical needs is significant.

In addition, the family continues to manage ongoing out-of-pocket expenses including medical supplements, travel, and the day-to-day costs that come with complex care.

Through it all, Emily’s strength continues to lead the way.

Her story is one of resilience, love, and a family that shows up for her every single day.

With your support, we can help ease the weight they carry and provide access to the tools and resources that will improve Emily’s quality of life.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Emily and for being part of her story