Emily
Emily was born five weeks early after prenatal diagnosis of an abdominal wall malformation. Following birth she had restrictive lung disease and ultimately needed a tracheostomy and home ventilation. Her omphalocele required multiple surgeries to correct. She was discharged from the hospital at five and a half months of age and required 24 hour nursing care. Her trach has been removed and she no longer needs oxygen.
Despite her complicated medical course, she is a very independent five-year-old girl. She loves playing with her friends, her dog and kitten, and riding her bike. She adores her big brother and spending time with him. She takes swimming lessons and started kindergarten this year.