Help fix Emma Hyde's Scoliosis

Hello my name is Brooke and I am a friend of the Hyde family.  I started this page to help support Emma and her family in raising funds for a much needed surgery.  Thank you for taking the time out to read about Emma's story.   Emma is in serious need of surgery for her scoliosis. Emma's curve has progressed to such a degree that doctors say she not only has 3 curves from the top to the bottom of her spine, but that she ALSO has a trunk shift - all of which needs immediate surgery. By having this  surgery, Emma will have fewer health complications, better recovery,  fewer restrictions in her flexibility, and a much better quality of life as an adult.

Let us introduce you to Emma Hyde, a 15 year - beautiful inside and out, with a passion for helping others.  Emma is actively involved in her church and community. She helps feed kids during the summer that normally would not get meals because school is not in session. Emma has started a Make-a-Wish foundation project of collecting costumes for kids, she assists in putting backpacks and schools supplies together for kids before school, helps raise money for the hungry, and much more.  As a student, Emma is excelling. She is in the top 25 of her class, a member of the German Honor Society, and is an A student. Emma is also very active in extracurricular activities such as cross country, competition dance, summer marching band, school musical, student council and more. Emma has a bright future ahead of her and this is what drives Emma and her family to face her upcoming surgery, which is called ASC-Anterior Scoliosis Correction.  This surgery will give Emma the opportunity to live her life to the fullest and have the best quality of life for her future. 

 When Emma was 8 years old she was diagnosed with Scoliosis, which is a young age for this diagnosis. After 4.5 years of bracing for 18 hours a day, doctors said it was not effective and her curve continued to steadily increase (with one curve over 50 degrees and three curves total). This persistent increase will continue to affect her and potentially affect her heart, lungs, pain level, mobility, posture, and quality of life for years to come.
 
 In order to maintain a good quality of life, Emma needs to have surgery.  After research and medical opinions, the best surgery option for Emma is called ASC-Anterior Scoliosis Correction.  This surgery uses a form of tethering to straighten the spine, which uses less surgical hardware than other procedures.   It also has significantly less risks than other surgeries.

In November, Emma and her family will have to travel to New Jersey to Saint Peter's Hospital for surgery and she will be in hospital for a week (PICU-Pediatric Intensive Care Unit). After a lot of research, this surgery is the best option for her health, to keep her spine as natural as possible, to maintain natural flexibility and is a less invasive surgery with a shorter recovery time with less risks than other surgeries. There are other surgeries that were not options for Emma as they would not be able to guarantee the best results, the best quality of life for Emma to be pain free, and be able to live life to the fullest. 
   
Unfortunately, this surgery is extremely expensive estimating between $150, 000-$200, 000 and is minimally covered by their health insurance. In order to schedule surgery, the Hyde family has to pay $40,000 out of pocket, this is just the beginning of the expenses they will accrue through the process. There will also be hospital stay expenses, use of special medical equipment, and the remaining cost (after the 80% of what insurance does not pay), items not covered, as well as travel expenses . 

As you can see by the image, Emma's spine has a cervical, thoracic and lumbar curve with significant degrees of curve (as well as trunk rotation).  Emma is at the point where she needs to have surgery this Fall to avoid health complications.  The rate that her spine continues to curve is growing rapidly. In order to achieve the best results, to have the best quality of life for the future, to live a life pain free without health complications from the scoliosis, and to live the fullest healthiest life possible Emma needs to have her surgery soon. 
   
Please consider donating to this family to help them with the expenses that will accrue for them as they help Emma through this time and journey to a healthier life.  if you are not comfortable donating online please feel free to email me@ [email redacted]  or message Brooke L. Forbes-Windey on messenger and I can send you mailing information.   Also anonymous donations are welcome. Please also continue to keep Emma and the whole family in your prayers for the upcoming months. 


Thank you for your time and consideration!
Many Blessings from The Family and Friends of Emma Hyde and her family <3