Emma Rodger

Emma’s Story: A Journey of Courage, Resilience, and Hope

On June 2021, while on vacation in Jamaica, our family’s life took a turn we could never have predicted. Angela became pregnant, and we were thrilled to grow our family. We had planned for a home birth, but at 20 weeks an ultrasound revealed a surprise — twins! With that news came medical concerns, and we were referred to specialists at the University of Florida, and ultimately to Tampa General Hospital.

On December 6, 2021, Angela underwent a laser-guided fetoscopy to give our daughters the best chance to “cook longer” in the womb. The procedure was a success, but just hours later, tragedy struck. Angela suffered a placental abruption, requiring an emergency C-section. At 4:24 a.m. on December 7, Emma and her twin sister, Hailey, were born at just 26 weeks and 4 days.

Hailey, weighing 2 lbs. 5 oz., faced significant complications and heartbreakingly passed away just four days later. Emma, at only 1 lb. 14 oz. and 11 inches long, began the fight of her life in the NICU. For four long months, she battled every day until she was strong enough to come home.

The Challenges She Faces

Once home, we knew Emma’s journey wasn’t going to be typical. After countless therapy sessions and specialist visits, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, dystonia, and athetosis. These conditions affect her tone and motor control — some muscles are tight and spastic, others weak and lacking tone.

This means Emma doesn’t get the luxury of “just being a kid.” Instead, her days are filled with physical, occupational, and speech therapies, along with the use of specialized medical devices to help her stand, walk, and even ride a bike. At home, daily exercises and therapies are necessary to prevent complications like hip dysplasia.

The Victories Along the Way

And yet — Emma continues to amaze everyone around her. Despite early signs of hip dysplasia, through relentless therapy and determination, she has made remarkable progress and may avoid surgery altogether. Doctors and therapists alike are inspired by her progress.

Emma is also incredibly bright. She communicates, learns, and engages with the world in ways that remind us every day of her intelligence and determination. She is proof that a diagnosis does not define a child’s potential.

Why We Need Your Help

Emma has already beaten so many odds, but her journey is far from over. The next critical step is stem cell therapy, which has the potential to improve her physical abilities and quality of life in profound ways. But treatment alone is not enough — to maximize the benefits, she’ll also need intensive therapy afterward, advanced equipment for home use, and eventually, a wheelchair-accessible van to give her greater freedom.

How You Can Be Part of Emma’s Story

Emma’s story is one of resilience, hope, and endless potential. With your support, we can give her access to the life-changing treatments and tools she needs to not just survive, but thrive.

Your donation will directly fund:

Stem cell therapy to improve Emma’s motor function and daily life

Therapy intensives post-treatment to maximize progress

Advanced medical equipment to help her continue building strength and independence at home

A wheelchair-accessible van to give her greater freedom and access to the world around her

Emma’s courage inspires us every single day. With your help, she can continue to overcome obstacles and live a fuller, more independent life.

✨ Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. Together, we can help Emma write the next chapter of her miracle story.