Emma Straub, Selinsgrove
Emma Straub, 6, of Selinsgrove, was born premature and with many congenital defects affecting her eyes, hips, trachea and esophagus. Among her more severe conditions, the top part of her esophagus and bottom part of her stomach were not connected. She also had a narrowing of the major artery that carries blood to the body from the heart. Both defects needed emergent surgical intervention in the first days of her life in order for her to survive.
At 7 months of age, Emma was diagnosed with hip dysplasia — the ball of her femur was not inside her hip socket. She underwent orthopaedic surgery to repair the joint and spent three months in a body cast. Despite these early medical needs, Emma is doing extremely well and is an outgoing girl with a wonderful personality.
Donations to Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger have provided equipment that was used to diagnose Emma’s issues during her first days of life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, including echocardiogram machines and pediatric endoscopy equipment.
