Emmie's Heroes

Program:

Providing help and support for both Emmie and her family.

Sponsors:

Program Details:

Program Director: Kim Mangione

Forum Link: Emmie's Heroes

Website Link: Emmie.info

Goal: To alleviate some or all of the finanical burden for Emmie's family.

Monthly Program Expense Goal: $2,000

Money Raise Since 9/26/08: $6881

Background: Emmie is the youngest of 5 children and was adopted from South Korea when she was 14 months old She wasn't expected to live past the age of two and now she is eight years old.

Emmie has endured much more in her short life than most of us ever will. She was born with several congenital heart and lung defects along with DiGeorge Syndrome, which has 185 anamolies associated with it.

Emmie has had 7 open heart surgeries so far, suffered cardiac arrest, strokes, and severe neurological damage. Now she can no longer eat or drink, requiring a G-J Tube to feed into her small intestine, which has also required many surgeries due to complications. She also has several bone fractures at a time, due to poor bone density. Emmie requires the aid of a wheelchair and is hooked up to monitors continuously. She requires around-the-clock medication for heart failure, GI, and pain relief.

Due to her severely immuno-compromised she cannot be in a classroom setting. So single parent Kim, Emmie's Mom, homeschools her as well as her siblings. Kim needs to work at home and administer Emmie's medication continuously. This is putting an extreme financial burden on the family who's home is in jeopardy.

Corporate Sponsors:

Company: Quad Construction Company

On September 26th, 2008 Emmie's Heroes Program was launched during the Hero Awards Gala. Anthony and Chris Papaneri were so moved by Emmie's story that they made the premiere donation to help Emmie and her family. We thank them for their heroic leadership.

Company: Walmart

On November 5th, 2008 the world's greatest retailer supported Emmie's Heroes Program by donating $5,500 to the Foundation. The donation was a united effort by multiple Walmart's located around Emmie's hometown.