Emma

When Emma was born her doctor immediately knew something was not right. She was transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children where tests revealed a heart defect called Transposition of the Great Vessels. Emma's pulmonary artery and aorta were switched and she was not receiving oxygen-rich blood; her heart circulated oxygen-depleted blood through her body. Emma needed multiple open-heart surgeries over a number of years to correct the problem.

At one week old Emma had a shunt implanted into her heart which was just the size of her tiny fist. At six months old, Emma had her second surgery to begin the process of redirecting the blood flow through her heart. Then, when she was 3 1/2 years old, Emma had what was to be her final surgery. But there were complications during the procedure and in recovery caused by a rare blood disorder called Thrombocytopenia. Emma also suffered an aortic valve tear which had to be repaired with a fourth open heart surgery.

After 37 days in the hospital Emma was finally well enough to go home. Today she is enjoying all the things little girls love to do and especially enjoys riding her bike, thanks to the staff at Arnold Palmer Hospital and the support of Children's Miracle Network.