Help Emerson Heal
Rare Diagnoses, Big Surgeries, and a Long Road Ahead
Emerson is just 19 years old, and her body has been through more than most people endure in a lifetime.
Her health struggles began after a serious case of mono as a young child. She battled unexplained GI issues and fatigue for years. As a teen, she started having more concerning symptoms—dizziness, pain, digestive issues—but was repeatedly told it was “just anxiety” or “growing too fast.”
In 2023, after jaw surgery, her health rapidly declined. She became mostly bedbound, and that began a long road of testing, specialists, and complex diagnoses.
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Emerson’s Diagnoses Include:
• Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) – a connective tissue disorder that affects joints, skin, digestion, and more
• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) – a condition causing heart rate spikes, fainting, and fatigue
• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) – an immune system disorder that causes severe allergic reactions to food, medications, and even smells
• Gastroparesis – delayed stomach emptying that leads to nausea, vomiting, and severe malnutrition
• Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) and Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS) – rare vascular compression syndromes that restrict blood flow and severely impair digestion
• May-Thurner Syndrome – a vein compression condition increasing clot risk
• Craniocervical Instability (CCI) – instability where the skull meets the spine, causing brainstem compression
• Tethered Cord Syndrome – spinal cord tension that required surgery in January
• Mitral Valve Prolapse, Fibromyalgia, and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
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Where Things Stand Now
Emerson has had multiple feeding tubes placed and has been reliant on jejunal (J) tube feeds since December. Despite this, she became increasingly malnourished and was recently started on TPN (IV nutrition) to keep her body functioning.
She has been in and out of the hospital countless times over the last several months. Her body has endured painful complications, emergency admissions, and emotional trauma from ongoing medical instability.
On July 21, Emerson will undergo major surgery in Virginia for SMAS and MALS. Once she recovers and stabilizes nutritionally, she will require cervical spinal fusion surgery to treat her CCI and protect her brainstem.
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✨ How You Can Help
Due to the severity of her conditions, Emerson cannot work or attend school. She relies on the full-time care of her mom, while her dad continues to work to support the family.
We’ve had many kind people ask how they can help—and that’s why we’ve created this GoFundMe.
Funds raised will go toward:
• Out-of-pocket medical costs
• Travel and lodging for her out-of-state surgeries
• Medications and medical supplies not covered by insurance (especially for MCAS and TPN)
• Specialized feeding and nutrition support
• Long-term recovery needs at home
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Join Her Fight
Through everything, Emerson remains strong, kind, and incredibly brave. She deserves the chance to feel better and get back to living a life outside of hospitals.
If you feel led to give, share, or pray—we are deeply grateful. Your support helps us carry this heavy load and gives Emerson a fighting chance to heal.
From the bottom of our hearts—thank you.