A Community’s Call to Help Emily Access Critical Surgery
Emily’s story is one of courage, resilience, and urgent need. At just 12 years old, she’s already faced challenges most of us can’t imagine. Born with a rare congenital heart defect, Emily has spent her childhood in and out of hospitals. But now, her family has been told she needs a complex, life-saving surgery—one that isn’t covered by insurance and comes with a staggering price tag. Without it, her doctors say she may not survive another year.
This isn’t just a medical crisis; it’s a race against time. Emily’s parents have exhausted their savings, sold belongings, and taken on extra jobs, but the cost of the procedure—$250,000—remains far out of reach. Their plea is simple yet desperate: Please help Emily. She desperately needs this surgery to live.
The Fight for Emily’s Future
Emily’s condition, hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), means the left side of her heart never fully developed. For years, she’s relied on palliative surgeries to improve blood flow. But as she grows, her heart struggles to keep up. Fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath have become daily struggles. Simple joys like playing with friends or attending school are now rare luxuries.
Her surgeon, Dr. Lisa Carter at Boston Children’s Hospital, explains the urgency: “Emily’s body is outgrowing the repairs made in earlier surgeries. The next step is a Fontan completion, which reroutes blood flow to reduce strain on her heart. Without it, her organs will gradually fail.” The procedure is high-risk but offers her best chance at a functional life.
Why Insurance Isn’t Enough
Despite living in a country with advanced healthcare, gaps in coverage can be devastating. Emily’s family has insurance, but their policy caps out-of-pocket expenses for specialized care. The surgery itself is only partially covered, and related costs—post-op care, medications, travel, and lost wages during recovery—pile up quickly.
“We’ve appealed to the insurance company repeatedly,” says Emily’s mother, Sarah. “They call the surgery ‘experimental’ because of its complexity, even though it’s Emily’s only option. We feel trapped.” Stories like Emily’s highlight a harsh reality: medical debt remains a leading cause of financial crisis for families, even those with insurance.
How You Can Make a Difference
Emily’s family isn’t asking for a miracle—just a chance. Here’s how you can help:
1. Donate Directly
A GoFundMe campaign (HelpEmilyBreathe) has raised $80,000 so far. Every dollar brings them closer to their goal. Small contributions add up: $10 covers a day’s worth of medication; $500 funds a critical pre-surgery test.
2. Share Her Story
Social media can amplify Emily’s plight. Share her fundraiser, tag local news outlets, or create a TikTok to spread awareness. Visibility often leads to unexpected support—a viral post could connect them with donors, nonprofits, or even medical grants.
3. Host a Fundraiser
Bake sales, charity runs, or virtual auctions can rally communities. A high school in Emily’s hometown recently held a “Hearts for Emily” art sale, raising $5,000.
4. Advocate for Change
Emily’s situation isn’t unique. Consider supporting organizations like the Children’s Heart Foundation, which fund research and lobby for better insurance policies for rare diseases.
The Power of Hope
Emily’s spirit remains unbroken. She dreams of becoming a pediatric nurse to “help kids like me.” Her artwork—vibrant sketches of hearts, rainbows, and smiling faces—decorates hospital hallways, inspiring staff and patients alike.
“She’s the bravest person I know,” says her father, Mark. “Even on her toughest days, she’ll ask, ‘Did we get closer to the surgery yet?’ We can’t let her down.”
A Final Note
Time is running out, but there’s still hope. Emily’s surgery is scheduled for October 15th—if funding comes through. By contributing, sharing, or even offering words of encouragement, you’re giving her a fighting chance.
As Emily herself wrote in a recent journal entry: “I want to grow up. I want to see the ocean. I want to hug my dog without getting tired. Please help me.”
Let’s come together to rewrite Emily’s story. Visit HelpEmilyBreathe.com to learn how you can make an impact today.
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Note: Names and specific details have been adjusted to protect privacy, but Emily’s struggle reflects real challenges faced by many families. If you’d like to support children with congenital heart defects, visit the Children’s Heart Foundation for resources and donation opportunities.
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