Let’s Get Emmie a Robotic Feeding Arm
Over the past five years, many of you have been following Emmie’s story—one of obstacles and adversity, yet also bravery and hope.
Here are some details, if you are unfamiliar with Emmie’s background:
Emmie was born a typical/ healthy baby and, with her parents and four older brothers, created a sense of completeness for her loving family. However, an unexpected tragedy struck when Emmie was two years old. She awoke from an afternoon nap unable to move from the neck down. After being rushed to the hospital, Emmie quickly lost the ability to breathe on her own as well. After months of invasive tests, medical procedures and therapies, Emmie was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Transverse Myelitis—an autoimmune condition where one’s body attacks the spine. Emmie was rendered quadriplegic and dependent on a vent to breathe.
The months and years following were a series of drastic changes for the whole family with everyone learning to tend to Emmie’s needs—trach care, emergency procedures, etc. Eventually, Emmie’s family learned to adjust to this unpredictable and challenging new normal. Through it all, her parents, brothers, and extended family have refused to allow Emmie’s physical limitations hinder her childhood. Through their perseverance, Emmie is currently a top student in her third grade class, an integral part of her adaptive dance team, an accomplished painter and reader, a cheerleader-in-training and a popular little girl surrounded by supportive friends. This past summer, she even attended an overnight summer camp!
Despite all of these amazing accomplishments, Emmie’s parents still struggle to find ways to provide opportunities to their daughter, who is getting older and wanting to find additional ways of being independent.
A few months ago, Emmie’s mother Kari was approached by one of her therapists with news of an innovative technology that she thought Emmie could really benefit from—a robotic feeding arm that would allow her to feed herself through head controls (much like her wheelchair navigation). This small device could provide HUGE opportunities for Emmie—the ability to sit with her friends in the lunchroom and feed herself without the aid of a nurse, the chance to enjoy the family dinner table and eat at her own pace, not relying on anyone else’s assistance. Emmie would relish this opportunity to learn the technology and gain more control, even in this simple way.
Unfortunately, this technology is new, custom-made and very expensive. Because it is not a medical necessity, it is not covered by insurance. I’m hoping to help my niece to be able to purchase the Obi robotic arm because she so deserves the opportunity to try it out. Her family and I thank anyone in advance who is able to help us make this happen for her.
With love, appreciation, and hope,
Meagan Patron (Emmie’s proud aunt)
Click to watch Obi Robotic Arm video
