Emmy's Story
Emmy is an adorable eight-year old girl that loves to give hugs, look at books, listen to music and dance! She enjoys spending time with her family, Nathan, Hannah and Mom, Kathryn and Dad, Dean.
At 3 months of age, Emerson Grace was helicoptered to the UCLA Medical Center where she underwent major brain surgery to alleviate her of multiple daily seizures. The excellent staff at UCLA saved Emmy's life. By the time she was two years old, Emmy had endured two more major brain surgeries. Her development since that time has proven that new neuro-pathways can grow and miracles can happen. Emmy is defying the odds and exceeding the expectations of the medical community. It is a credit to her family for fighting for her future and not stopping when doctor's at other hospitals presented a grim prognosis.
If you asked me to describe Emmy one word comes to mind: radiant. She emanates sunshine and she is such a lover. You can't help but want to go up and give her a hug. (She may be the first to give you one!) She enjoys the typical pleasures of girls her age, like bouncing on the trampoline, playing on the computer and watching TV. At present, Emmy is non-verbal but she can communicate better than many adults I've met. She can share her desires via some signs and a portable device that helps her express more specific needs. She displays excitement, pleasure, and happiness for her Mom, Dad and big sister Hannah. She even has a fake laugh which is very funny! Thanks to the support and advocacy of her entire family, Emmy is thriving.
Emmy's big sister Hannah has been a staunch advocate for her little sister. She will not tolerate the 'R' word being used in her presence and proudly speaks up even when the word is used inside her classrooms. According to Emmy's Mom, Hannah and Nathan bravely endured the difficult times of the past and through it, she believes they have gained a quiet strength, along with a perspective on the gift of life. Emmy's family knows that she is a special gift.
What has Emmy taught her Mom?
Kathryn said, "Emmy has taught me to live in the moment. Stop trying to do so much. Slow down and take in all that is here before us. Because that is all we truly have, this very wonderful moment. If anyone needs reminding how precious each moment can be, Emmy will be the one to walk up and give the person in need a hug."
Could anyone ask for a better gift? The gift of perspective. The gift of unconditional love. The gift of stopping to enjoy the little things that comprise each and every day.
Thanks to Jon Ray at Paint Green for donating his company's time and energy to transform Emmy's room into a beautiful and colorful retreat. The team arrived promptly, worked hard and created the most perfect paint job we've ever seen! Thank you to their donation to Cecily's Closet. And thank you to Emily Dolton from Inside Emily's Head, for donating her time and services to create a beautiful mural in Emmy's room. Emily's creative contribution made the room come to live, and best of all - Emmy loved it! We are so appreciative of her time, energy and all of the great tips she had for Moms of children with special needs. Cecily's Closet is grateful to be able to provide a very special place for Emmy and her family to enjoy.
Thank you to Paint Green, Inside Emily's Head, and our volunteers for making her "Sweet Dreams" makeover come true!
At 3 months of age, Emerson Grace was helicoptered to the UCLA Medical Center where she underwent major brain surgery to alleviate her of multiple daily seizures. The excellent staff at UCLA saved Emmy's life. By the time she was two years old, Emmy had endured two more major brain surgeries. Her development since that time has proven that new neuro-pathways can grow and miracles can happen. Emmy is defying the odds and exceeding the expectations of the medical community. It is a credit to her family for fighting for her future and not stopping when doctor's at other hospitals presented a grim prognosis.
If you asked me to describe Emmy one word comes to mind: radiant. She emanates sunshine and she is such a lover. You can't help but want to go up and give her a hug. (She may be the first to give you one!) She enjoys the typical pleasures of girls her age, like bouncing on the trampoline, playing on the computer and watching TV. At present, Emmy is non-verbal but she can communicate better than many adults I've met. She can share her desires via some signs and a portable device that helps her express more specific needs. She displays excitement, pleasure, and happiness for her Mom, Dad and big sister Hannah. She even has a fake laugh which is very funny! Thanks to the support and advocacy of her entire family, Emmy is thriving.
Emmy's big sister Hannah has been a staunch advocate for her little sister. She will not tolerate the 'R' word being used in her presence and proudly speaks up even when the word is used inside her classrooms. According to Emmy's Mom, Hannah and Nathan bravely endured the difficult times of the past and through it, she believes they have gained a quiet strength, along with a perspective on the gift of life. Emmy's family knows that she is a special gift.
What has Emmy taught her Mom?
Kathryn said, "Emmy has taught me to live in the moment. Stop trying to do so much. Slow down and take in all that is here before us. Because that is all we truly have, this very wonderful moment. If anyone needs reminding how precious each moment can be, Emmy will be the one to walk up and give the person in need a hug."
Could anyone ask for a better gift? The gift of perspective. The gift of unconditional love. The gift of stopping to enjoy the little things that comprise each and every day.
Thanks to Jon Ray at Paint Green for donating his company's time and energy to transform Emmy's room into a beautiful and colorful retreat. The team arrived promptly, worked hard and created the most perfect paint job we've ever seen! Thank you to their donation to Cecily's Closet. And thank you to Emily Dolton from Inside Emily's Head, for donating her time and services to create a beautiful mural in Emmy's room. Emily's creative contribution made the room come to live, and best of all - Emmy loved it! We are so appreciative of her time, energy and all of the great tips she had for Moms of children with special needs. Cecily's Closet is grateful to be able to provide a very special place for Emmy and her family to enjoy.
Thank you to Paint Green, Inside Emily's Head, and our volunteers for making her "Sweet Dreams" makeover come true!
