Emma

Emma was born extremely premature at 24 weeks gestation on April 13, 2003. She was a twin; her sister, Julia Patricia, passed away at one day old due to a number of severe complications. Emma continued her long struggle to survive in the NICU for 113 days. She had several surgeries and did not come off of the ventilator until she was 3 1/2 months old. We almost lost our precious angel to an infection while in the NICU, but she miraculously pulled through. On August 3, 2003, Emma came home. She was on oxygen for 2 1/2 months at home and monitors. While at home, Emma began showing signs of severe acid reflux and underwent another surgery (fundoplication) and had her g-tube placed in October, 2003.

Today, Emma is a healthy and happy little girl. She almost always has a sweet little grin on her face. Emma is still tube fed, but is making progress towards oral feedings. She adores her older brother, Phillip (5) and younger sister, Abbigail (1). She sits with support and bears weight on her legs. Emma will one day walk with the Lord's help and through therapy.

Emma began going to conductive education in summer 2006. Although she has been in constant therapy since she was just five months old, she has made more progress in less than a year than all of her therapies combined. Her most notable accomplishments during C. Ed. have been taking steps with the aid of a walker and toilet training. We cannot say enough about the tremendous work and support from the conductor and aides. They take tremendous care of our little angel and we will always be grateful for this. We have never seen such commitment and advocating for children with special needs as we have through the conductor and support team.

Becky Godin