When my little cousin was born 20 months ago, we were all ecstatic, another Driscoll baby to add to the crew but after only a few hours of life she suffered a stroke and lost almost all functions of the left side of her brain. Doctors gave her hours to live but Emily has yet to give up.
When you hear of these types of stories, you never think that it could happen to your own family but since it has happened to ours you begin to realize how powerful family truly is. I give my cousin Peter and his wife Anne all the credit in the world, they have more strength than I think I would have in this situation. As you'll read below, Emily is always doing something to improve her life. She works harder than a lot of people I know, including myself and she's not even 2. She is a role model to me, to work hard for your goal, to never give up, to fight.
Here is her story:
Emily entered this world on January 18, 2008. When she was born, no one knows why, she suffered a massive stroke affecting almost the whole left side of her brain. The doctors told us that she probably wasn't going to live- but she did! Having her stroke began life's journey of challenges for Emily and our family. As a result of the stroke Emily suffers from hemiplegia, cerebral palsy, a seizure disorder, half vision in each eye and other developmental delays.
Emily receives physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, vision therapy, special education and other service every day. At 20 months old she has a busier schedule than most adults. She works so hard every day so that one day she can walk and talk and do all the things that other kids do. She WILL do these things but it will be her way and not until she's good and ready.
Emily is the sweetest, happiest and most loving little girl around. She is a gift straight from the heavens and is a blessing to our family.
The most recent update for Emily is that she was supposed to be getting brain surgery on November 18th but it looks like that is being postponed due to her contracting the Swine Flu. This little girl cannot catch a break.
I guess the reason I am writing this is to have everyone say a prayer for her. I am not a very religious person but I will ask for your well wishes to this little one, she has put up an amazing fight and deserves to live a happy and healthy life full of play groups and friends not doctors and tests.
Check out her website for updates and if at all possible make a donation to help out!!
Check Emily out here
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