A Letter From a Dream Parent

At 7 years of age, Emma is the kind of kid you can’t help but notice! With a radiant smile, Emma is both beautiful and full of endless amounts of energy. She’s well known for her sense of humour and loves making others laugh with her funny faces and jokes.

Emma isn’t just funny, she’s incredibly strong-willed and determined - she’s always up for a challenge. Brave and bold, she isn’t afraid to be herself. Emma inspires everyone she meets to be as daring and as full of life as she is.

When Emma grows up, she wants to be a nurse (thanks to all the amazing nursing friends she made in the hospital), a teacher, and a mom.

Emma's Story

As Christmas drew near in 2023, Emma was battling what her family understood was just a case of the common flu. Soon, her breathing changed unexpectedly, and her mother rushed her to the hospital. There, they received devastating news; Emma’s body was going into septic shock caused by an invasive Group A strep infection and pneumonia. Doctors moved quickly, and she was intubated and ultimately put on life-support.

Emma’s heart rate continued to drop, her kidneys were shutting down, and her blood flow to extremities was concerningly slow. She was at risk of losing both of her hands and her legs. Day by day, she fought through pain and setbacks, showing her family, friends, and care team her incredible strength. Against all odds, Emma began to recover, and her determination inspired everyone around her!

Due to significant loss of blood flow to her lower extremities, Emma required extensive surgery. In March, she underwent a below-knee amputation of her right leg, as well as amputation of her toes on her left foot. Following the surgery, Emma persevered through daily physiotherapy to regain strength enough to go home!

In October, Emma received her first prosthesis, and she continues to battle and work hard in physiotherapy - she is determined to regain improved movement, walk with less effort, and possibly run again.

Emma's Dream

All of Emma’s family loves watching her experience joy! Her family has tried to explain the idea of a dream come true, and how it could go beyond a Barbie Dreamhouse.

“She loves swimming, beaches, music, and Moana, so she’s considering the possibility of a dream that includes all three,” Emma’s family shares. “We are beyond grateful for The Dream Factory and how they spread joy to so many families!”