Emma
Age 7
Shands Hospital for Children at the Univ. of FL and Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
Congenital Heart Defects
Emma is full of life — she hardly ever slows down or is out of breath. Watching her, you’d never know that when Emma was born, she barely had enough oxygen to live. With blue skin as a result of her pulmonary artery and aorta being switched, the doctors immediately performed open-heart surgery to get enough oxygen flowing.
At 3 years old, Emma went into what should have been her final surgery. However, doctors discovered she had a rare blood disorder called thrombocytopenia, which forced her into another risky surgery. Despite the unexpected turn, Emma brought light and laughter to the hospital, where she became known as a “princess” because she always wore a crown.
Today Emma is energetic, hopes to be a school teacher, and loves doing arts and crafts. Many of her creations have even been donated to raise funds for her hospital.
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