Run for Emily

Emily was born a month premature, after two months of preterm labor. From birth, she has had multiple medical problems. By her first birthday, she was already followed by a neurologist, gastroenterologist, pulmonologist, geneticist, and metabolicist. Emily's brain does not grow correctly, resulting in a condition called microcephaly. This means "little brain", causes severe developmental delays and she has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Emily is now 8 years old, and she has had dozens of surgeries. In 2005, she suffered an eighteen minute cardiac arrest. Since then, she has had numerous surgeries, procedures, and tests. In addition to these medical issues, Emily also suffers from a severe form of epilepsy for which she had a Vagal Nerve Stimulator implanted. This device is like a pacemaker for the brain, and it helps to stop the majority of her seizures. In the last year, Emily has had over twenty hospital admissions. Her most recent hospital stay was for surgery to place a tracheostomy to help her breathing. Despite all of this, Emily is one of the happiest and most loving 8 year olds you will ever meet. She has a smile that can warm your heart from a mile away and a laugh that can fill an entire room. She loves to play music and she is never seen without something pink or Hello Kitty on. We have brought Emily to UCLA because our previous hospital was unable to provide the level of care that she requires. Since coming to UCLA, we have been beyond cared for. The nurses, doctors, and Child Life specialists are all amazing. Having a Child Life specialist who knows Emily and her likes and dislikes, makes a huge difference. It is incredible to have such support for Emily as well as us as her parents. We are very grateful for UCLA's Child Life program, and are honored to have been chosen as an ambassador. Will you run for Emily? Sadly Emily passed away here Mother had this to say about the walk

please consider joining Team Emily in the Bruin Run/Walk this Sunday! Emily is one of the few sponsored children chosen by the hospital. We would love to have you walk with us on Sunday! Following this link and click at the top where it says "Help support the cause and register ...". The word "register takes you to the Team Awesome Emily registration page!

Here is the Link Please contuine prayers for this sweet family.