Mary’s Journey
How CSH gave her back the life she thought she’d lost
At 17 years old, Mary is looking forward to all of the milestones that come with senior year of high school. She's spending time with friends, going to the gym, and thinking about a future in healthcare. Just a few months ago those everyday moments felt impossible.
Last fall, what seemed like a common cold quickly became a life-changing medical emergency. Mary had been experiencing body aches, a runny nose, and a fever for several days, but she assumed it was something she would recover from with a little extra rest. After missing nearly a week of school, Mary got ready one morning to return to class. Before leaving the house, she realized she still wasn't feeling well and decided to stay home one more day.
As the day went on, Mary noticed something just wasn't quite right. She reached for a glass of water on her nightstand and realized her arm felt unusually weak. Later that evening, she stumbled while walking to the bathroom. By the next morning, the weakness had spread throughout her entire body.
"I used every bit of strength I had just to reach my phone and text my dad," Mary remembered. "I really need your help. I can't move my body."
After months in the hospital, Emma finally came home in between rounds of chemotherapy and began rehabilitation. In September of that year, her tumor was surgically removed. By December 30, she had completed her last round of chemo.
Just weeks later, on the very same day her family received the call that she was officially cancer free Emma began treatment at Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH). For AJ and Lindsey, it felt like the start of a new chapter.
Doctors had once told them that Emma might never walk, depending on the care and resources available to her. With the help of physical and occupational therapy, serial casting, orthotics, and countless appointments, Emma learned to walk. Slowly, she gained strength and confidence.
“Things that other people take for granted like running in gym class, playing sports, or even just keeping up with friends. These are things that would have never happened without Children’s Specialized,” said Lindsey. “Her therapies, her orthotics, all of it has allowed her to live a pretty normal life.”
For years therapy became Emma’s “after school activity.” While other kids went to girl scouts and basketball practice, Emma came to CSH to get stronger, and it worked! Today, she is thriving, participating in sports, going to sleepaway camp, and fully enjoying her childhood.
Emma’s favorite color is blue, and she loves that CSH is just as bright and colorful as she is. For her family, it’s more than a place of healing, it’s where their daughter’s future was rebuilt.
Now, when Emma and Penelope are laughing, swimming, or even going back and forth over barbies, AJ and Lindsey can smile, grateful for the “normalcy.” Because behind those everyday moments is a story of resilience, hope, and the extraordinary care that gave Emma her life back.
