Emma’s Fight Through the Storm: A Miracle Amid Hurricane Helene’s Wrath
06.19.2025
A Shocking Start: Early Signs and the Unthinkable Diagnosis
Emma’s story is nothing short of miraculous, a testament to resilience, hope, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child. At just three years old, Emma faced a life-threatening challenge no parent could ever be prepared for.
It began with subtle changes in her mobility. Emma, once an energetic and playful child, started having trouble lifting her right leg and walking normally. At first, it seemed like a minor orthopedic issue, but her condition began to worsen rapidly. Her parents grew increasingly concerned and pushed for answers.
On September 5, Emma underwent a scan that revealed something far more serious. That same day, her family took her to Mission oncology after being referred from the children’s hospital. The initial diagnosis was devastating: Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), an aggressive and rare brainstem tumor with incredibly low survival rates.
From Despair to Hope: A New Diagnosis
The days that followed were scary. Emma's condition deteriorated further. She developed a severe headache, began vomiting, and eventually lost consciousness. Coinciding with Hurricane Helene’s approach, the family found themselves not only facing a medical emergency but also navigating a literal storm.
They were urgently transferred to Charlotte just as the hurricane moved in. In the chaos of the storm, Emma was admitted to Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital. There, under the care of Neurosurgeon Dr. Scott D. Wait and his team, further testing revealed that the initial diagnosis was incorrect.
Emma’s tumor was not DIPG, but a Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma (JPA), still serious, but far more treatable. This shift brought an enormous wave of relief and renewed hope.
The Hurricane Hits: Chaos Meets Compassion
While the hurricane raged outside, another storm, far more personal, was unfolding inside the hospital walls. But what seemed like the worst possible timing turned out to be a lifeline. The transfer to Charlotte and the intervention that followed would ultimately save Emma’s life.
Her first procedure at Levine helped relieve pressure in her brain and marked the beginning of a long, challenging road to recovery.
A Long Road to Recovery: Small Victories and Setbacks
Emma’s journey was filled with ups and downs. But in every setback, there was a sign of hope. Karissa, her mother, still remembers the first time Emma spoke again after surgery: “To hear her talk again, to see her little personality shine through, it was amazing. That was a moment I’ll never forget.”
Emma’s strength, matched by her medical team and her family’s unwavering love, became the cornerstone of her recovery. She defied expectations, steadily reclaiming her voice, her strength, and her joy.
A New Lease on Life: Emma’s Triumph and Resilience
Today, Emma is back in daycare, bursting with energy and spunk. Her story stands as a beacon of hope for families facing the unimaginable. It also underscores the urgent need for continued research and advocacy in pediatric brain tumors, something her family is now passionately championing.
Emma has been named an ambassador for Headed For Hope, a 5K event supporting pediatric brain tumor research. Her participation is more than symbolic; it’s a commitment to making sure other families aren’t alone in their fight.
“She’s barreling through life,” Karissa shared proudly. “Being an ambassador is her way of giving back, of showing others that there’s hope even when things look impossible.”
The Power of Never Giving Up: A Story of Love and Hope
Emma’s journey reminds us all of what’s possible when love,
medical excellence, and unwavering determination come together. Her
story continues to inspire, and we can’t wait to see where her
strength takes her next.
Exceptional outcomes happen when great teams come together. We're proud to work alongside trusted hospital partners at Atrium Health Levine Children's to deliver advanced care to patients like Emma, right where they live.
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