Emma

Age 7, Ohio, USA

Emma Hope Gilbert was born a beautiful, healthy baby girl. She is curious, full of life and laughter, and has a contagious smile.

At age two-and-a-half it was determined she was delayed in speech development. At age 4, her hands began to tremble. After contracting pneumonia, the shakiness in Emma’s hands increased and she began to frequently lose her balance. Emma was referred to Akron Children’s Hospital where an MRI was performed. The Gilberts’ world came crashing down as Emma’s brain scans were consistent with those of children suffering from a form of Leukodystrophy.

Fifteen months later, it was confirmed that Emma was suffering from Vanishing White Matter.

While she has lost her ability to walk, Emma remains stable in other areas. Her family has decided to make her life as special as possible by living each day to the fullest. Her family is working toward starting a non-profit organization in order to help fund research and to find a cure for VWM and other Leukodystrophies. Help us raise awareness and funds for Emma and Leukodystrophy.
For more information, visit Emma’s Hope on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1568102010113319/

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