UPDATE ON EMMA: 6-29-26

EMMA is finally at the stage of meeting with the prosthesis to start building her new leg. She will be going every week to Dayton children's Hanger Clinic.

Last week they did the casting and she goes back tomorrow afternoon for her next appointment.

We still do not know wh a t all the insurance will pay if at all. We have had so many issues with our insurance paying for her medical bills and surgeries. We still have $30k bill from her leg surgery that the insurance still has not paid, and now other bills are coming in that we are having same issue with including her leg amputation surgery and now all the visits to Hanger clinic and for her to get her leg. Emma wants to be able to do sports, to run like a normal kid which she could not do before.she wants to be able to be active outside and do a lot of things she could not do before the amputation.

The issue we are having is that Our medical insurance is horrible and with the issues so far with them not paying for her medical bills like they are supposed to do we are worried they won't pay for her to get the prosthetics leg she needs.

We are not the kind of people that ask for help but with this unfortunately we need to. The goal amount isn't even close to what is needed to help with her medical bills and prosthetic leg but anything to help we are grateful for.

Thank you!!

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Hey friends, family, and fellow compassionate souls!

You know Emma? The spunky little 13-year-old with a heart of gold and an unwavering spirit? Yeah, that's my girl. She's been fighting this tough battle against Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) for the past 9 years, and it’s heartbreaking to see her struggle so hard.

At just four years old, Emma was diagnosed with NF1—a genetic disorder marked by the growth of noncancerous & cancerous tumors on nerves & throughout the body. Her journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, filled with pain, surgeries, and endless doctor visits. With no good results.

Most recently, her left ankle, foot, and leg have become magnets for painful tumors. Despite multiple unsuccessful operations since she was just five years old, Emma’s condition continues to deteriorate. The doctors are now suggesting the only viable option: amputation below the knee.

This devastating news is a punch in the gut, but it doesn’t deter us! We believe there’s still hope and that this could be the turning point for Emma. But we can't do it alone. 😓

💲 Our goal? To raise enough to cover not only the surgery costs (estimated at $35,000) but also medications, travel expenses (2.5 hours away from home), and essential equipment like a prosthetic leg or power wheelchair.

Your support means everything to us! It’s not just about the money; it's about giving Emma her life back—her chance at pain-free mobility, independence, and yes, even those moments of carefree joy that every child deserves.

We know times are tough for everyone right now, but any amount you can spare would mean the world to us and especially to Emma. Together, we can make a real difference in her life!

Please, share our story if you believe in miracles like ours—stories of brave kids who fight against all odds with fierce determination. Let's ensure Emma doesn’t face this difficult journey alone; let’s stand by her side and help carry some of the burden.

THANK YOU for being part of our tribe, for believing in us when we needed it most!

With heartfelt gratitude, Emma’s Mom & Dad -Tracy & John Gudeman