Saving Emerson’s Eye

On July 13th, 2019, 5-year-old Emerson suffered a traumatic injury to her left eye during innocent play with friends, which resulted in the instant loss of vision and severe damage to her eye's anatomy. She was rushed by ambulance to Lurie Children's' Hospital of Chicago for emergency surgery. The surgeon worked through the night and into the morning to repair the structure of her eye. She received about 25 internal stitches to her eyeball. Since this initial surgery doctors have been working to save Emerson's eye and vision. She had 4 combined surgeries and procedures within the first 3 weeks, along with weekly doctor checks and several eye drops per day. During her last surgery on 7/31 the doctors discovered damage to the back of the eye including the optic nerve and a severely detached retina, which they had not previously seen, and so her surgery was stopped short, as the surgeon was not able to fix the damage at that moment. At this point, they were told the prognosis for future vision and saving the eye was little to none. They were once again devastated by this news...The good news that so many had hoped and prayed for just wasn't coming. Emerson has been referred to a new retina specialist/surgeon in the hopes that he can address this damage more effectively using a different technique and specialized equipment. It is a small chance, but he is willing to make an attempt in the hopes of saving her eye and any vision possible. She is currently scheduled for surgery with him on 9/3/19. The road ahead is long, and as the doctors have explained will be an uphill battle.  

At this time they are seeking further opinions at other specialty institutions including Boston Children's' Hospital, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Mayo Clinic, and Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. All of this coordination is being done urgently before her next surgery in case they need to change their course of action. The research, time and effort of this has been exhaustive as they are working tirelessly against the clock.

Throughout this Emerson has been so brave and strong! Her spirit and humor have given us all hope and strength in such an incredibly difficult time. She awes everyone around her as she continues to navigate life as a happy and energetic 5-year-old who loves to play with her sister and friends. Their life and most importantly her life changed in an instant. Together they are still trying to accept this change and work through this new reality.

We have created this page as a way to offer support that would aid their family in medical expenses, travel expenses, and the very possible need of prosthetics, and therapy, now and in the future. The battle ahead to save the eye and/or maintain it is lifelong for Emerson. Any donation is beyond appreciated and helps to ease some stress in this situation. Thank you for reading and for caring about Emerson!