Help Our Sweet Emily Recover from Hip Dysplasia Surgery

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out to you with a heavy heart and a hopeful spirit to share the story of my sweet niece, Emily. In May, we learned that Emily was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. This means her left hip has been completely out of socket since birth. After months of preparing themselves for this challenging journey, Emily underwent surgery on July 30th.

The procedure involved drilling a hole in her socket, cutting a muscle, and loosening a tendon to fit her hip into its proper place. Watching Emily wake up after anesthesia and an epidural was one of the hardest moments for everyone. She was in so much pain and required heavy medication, making it a heart-wrenching experience.

Emily, once a very mobile 15-month-old, now faces a completely different reality. She cannot walk, crawl, sit, or move much at all. She is in a spica cast from her stomach down to her ankle on the left side and down to her knee on the right. This cast will stay on for 6-8 weeks, followed by months in a rhino brace for sleep and naptime, along with physical therapy.

Adjusting to this new normal has been incredibly challenging. Mom and Dad have had to get a special car seat, a spica table for her to eat on, and find ways to entertain a toddler who can’t move on her own. Beyond the emotional and physical toll, the financial burden has been overwhelming.

The surgery alone cost $8,700 after insurance, not including bills from the anesthesiologist, surgeon, X-rays, rhino brace, physical therapy, and specialist co-pays. Additionally, Emily’s mom has to take unpaid time off work, and her dad, a first responder, often works 24-hour shifts, leaving limited time to support Emily’s recovery.

We are reaching out to our community for support. Any donation, no matter how small, will help Mom and Dad cover medical bills, groceries, and the costs associated with frequent trips to Tampa for Emily’s appointments. Your generosity will provide much-needed relief during this difficult time and help them focus on what truly matters: Emily’s recovery and well-being.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any support you can provide. We are eternally grateful.

With heartfelt thanks,

Uncle Mitchell