Emmy entered the world far earlier than anyone expected. Born at just 23 weeks and weighing only 1.8 pounds, her survival was uncertain from the start. Doctors warned her parents, Dan and Sarah, to prepare for the worst. Complicating matters, Emmy was diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen.
Despite the daunting prognosis, Emmy’s fight was remarkable. Each day, she showed small signs of progress — gaining weight, breathing more easily, and beginning to feed. Every milestone was a triumph, celebrated by her family and the medical team working tirelessly in the NICU.
SUPPORT WHEN IT MATTERED MOST
The journey was not easy. Balancing care for their older son, Henry, while staying close to Emmy in the hospital was overwhelming. That’s where Cots for Tots House stepped in. The organization provided Dan and Sarah with a safe, comfortable place to stay just steps away from Emmy’s bedside, allowing them to rest, recharge, and be fully present for their newborn daughter during critical moments.
“The House made all the difference,” Sarah recalls. “It allowed us to focus on Emmy without worrying about being far from home or neglecting Henry.”
A TRIUMPANT RECOVERY
After three months in the NICU, the family received the long-awaited news: Emmy was healthy enough to go home. Today, at five months old, she is thriving — a testament to her resilience and the unwavering love of her family.
GIVING BACK AND INSPIRING HOPE
Dan and Sarah are now raising funds for Cots for Tots, hoping to provide the same support to other families navigating the challenges of premature birth. Emmy’s story is more than a personal triumph — it is a beacon of hope for parents facing seemingly insurmountable odds.
Through resilience, love, and support, Emmy’s journey reminds us all that miracles do happen, and that the right care and community support can make the difference between despair and hope.