Meet Emilie!

Strength Through Every Challenge

Emilie was born with Spina Bifida Occulta, a complex spinal condition that has required extensive medical care throughout her childhood. Her condition includes a tethered spinal cord, Chiari malformation, and spinal cysts, which can cause permanent nerve damage and affect movement, coordination, and overall quality of life.



By the age of nine, Emilie had undergone three major neurosurgeries, including two tethered cord releases and a Chiari decompression. Despite these procedures, she continues to live with chronic back and neck pain and faces significant limitations in everyday activities. Her genetics team has also diagnosed her with Klippel-Feil Syndrome, a rare congenital condition affecting the development of the cervical spine.

Emilie is considered a medically complex neurosurgical patient and will require lifelong specialist care. Through it all, she continues to face each challenge with incredible strength.