Emma's Heart

Emma has been diagnosed with Cardiomegaly, Acute Myocarditis, and Dilated Cardiomyopathy. What that means is she has an enlarged heart that’s main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged and weakened. The medical conditions she has been diagnosed with are the top reasons for heart transplants in kids and teens. This condition came about after Emma contracted a virus that affected her heart. Fluid began to build up around her heart, and after the doctors safely removed the fluid, they realized that the damage was irreversible and Emma’s heart is too young and small to repair itself. Therefore, she needs a heart transplant and is in the process of being placed on the donor list. Emma can only receive a heart from a child between the ages of 5 to 8 years old.

Brittany, her mother, was pregnant when Emma first arrived at the hospital. It has been almost a month since she entered Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children. During this time period Brittany had to be induced to give birth to her new born son Zackary at a different hospital because there wasn’t a maternity ward at the one Emma was residing. After birth, Zackary was unable to leave and admitted to the NICU due to feeding complications. Brittany has been traveling between the two hospitals, 14 miles, every day, on multiple trips. Recently, Zackary, was able to be moved to Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children but he still isn’t able to go home. During this time period, Brittany had been laid off from her position at Crozier Hospital due to downsizing and new management. Only a portion of Emma’s medical bills are being covered by her insurance and Brittany will be responsible for the remaining medical expenses that are continuing to accumulate.
We are raising awareness for how ciritcal organ donors are no matter what age. Also our aim is to help alleviate some of the medical cost and living expenses that Brittany is unable to cover during this time period. It is our hope that this page will reach far and wide, so Emma and her family can have the knowledge that people care and are willing to help. Emma is just a child who didn’t choose this for herself. At only 5 years old her future is bright and full of many possibilities but she needs help in this trying time. If people were to just spread awareness, that would mean the world to Emma and her loved ones. Currently, Brittany, is trying to enroll Emma in a kindergarten online school since Emma has been unable to attend her normal classes. Emma’s school district has informed Brittany that since kindergarten is not mandated in Pennsylvania, Brittany will have to incur the cost to continue her education.