Images Captured by Studio 9 Photographics
www.studio9photographics.com
Even though 10 month old Emma has
spent time in the hospital and has been through several surgeries already, she
is a very happy little girl. This tiny light loves listening to stories,
cuddling, spending time with her family, and playing with the packaging that her
medical supplies come in.
When her mother was 16 weeks pregnant, a blood test indicated
that Emma was at risk for spina bifida. Following an MRI and an ultrasound,
they cleared her of spina bifida but noticed a heart defect called tetrology of
fallot and limb abnormalities in her right arm. Emma was diagnosed with VACTERL association, a non-random association of
birth defects. She has a cardiac defect, a tracheoesophageal fistula (an
abnormal connection between the trachea and the esophagus), an esophageal
atresia (an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the stomach), and
limb abnormalities. She is missing a radius bone in her right arm and a right thumb
and her left leg tibia bone is slightly curved and shorter than it should be.
Emma also has a tracheomalacia, a collapsing of the cartilage in her airway.
This tiny light has a bright future
ahead of her. She has had her heart repaired and her stomach sewn to her
esophagus. Soon she will receive surgery on her hand and will eventually lose
the tracheostomy that supports her airway. It has been incredible for her
family to watch her grow and thrive despite all she has been through.
“Emma inspires us to be thankful, to enjoy the many happy
moments of life and to grow stronger from the hard times.”
Story Written by Emily Harrison
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