Emery is a bright, brave, and spirited little girl whose laughter can light up a room. But behind her infectious joy is a journey defined by strength, resilience, and the unwavering hope of a family that refused to give up.
Emery was born with congenital vertical talus, a rare and complex foot deformity in which the bones of the foot are abnormally aligned. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this rigid condition causes the sole of the foot to curve upward, creating a “rocker-bottom” appearance. Left untreated, vertical talus can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and difficulty walking.
In Emery’s case, two rounds of treatment near home, each stretching across three intensive months, failed to correct her foot. Her family, hopeful at the start of each attempt, was left heartbroken and searching for answers. With medical bills piling up and few options remaining, they kept fighting for a better path.
That path led them to Dr. David Dobbs, a nationally respected pediatric orthopedic surgeon known for treating complex cases like Emery’s. He believed he could fully correct her condition. But his practice was located hundreds of miles away, and the necessary treatment would require multiple out-of-state trips—something the family simply could not afford on their own.
That is when they discovered Miracle Flights.
From the moment they connected with the organization, the weight of uncertainty began to lift. Miracle Flights covered the cost of travel, turning an overwhelming obstacle into a journey filled with hope. For Emery, each flight became a milestone, each one lovingly dubbed her “miracle plane.”
And with wide eyes and a proud smile, she tells everyone: “Me fly plane, me walk soon!”
Today, Emery is recovering in a full leg cast, navigating daily life in a wheelchair, and awaiting one final procedure to remove the pin from her foot. After that, for the first time in her life, she will be able to walk without pain.
With every flight and every step, Emery’s confidence grows. Her joyful spirit shines brighter than ever. She knows something extraordinary is on the horizon, and so does everyone who meets her.
“As a family, we now feel less alone,” her mother shares. “Being part of the Miracle Flights family has meant everything to us. They did not just give Emery a flight. They gave her a future. And for that, we are forever grateful.”
Emery lives in Ohio and travels to the Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida. So far, she has received two flights from Miracle Flights, each one bringing her closer to healing, independence, and a future full of possibility.
If you have ever wondered whether your support truly makes a difference, just look at Emery. She is living proof that it does.
