Emma Dickman was born thirteen weeks early, weighing only 2 lbs 14 oz., and spent the first 72 days of her life in the NICU at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. One week before her first birthday, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral Palsy, or CP, is a condition that causes movement difficulties. It results from an injury to the brain that occurs before a child is born, during delivery, or shortly after birth. Often times, there is no known reason for the brain injury. There is no cure; however, there are many treatments and resources that can greatly assist a child to ensure they achieve their full potential.

The integrated Cerebral Palsy Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is a multidisciplinary clinic committed to ensuring that every child reaches their full potential. The program emphasizes excellence in clinical care while also focusing on translational research that evaluates the many therapies currently in use, plus those that are just over the horizon.

“We are truly blessed to have such amazing people working with our children. The doctors and therapists are not just professionals, they are members of our extended family,” says Emma’s father, Steve.

Emma may have been born small, but she faces her challenges with a big smile and determination to match. Recently Emma underwent major spinal cord surgery in an effort to enable her to make her biggest dream come true – to be able to walk. Since her surgery, she receives 3-5 hours of strenuous physical therapy each week. Emma’s dad says “She works harder than most adults we know.” When she is not “working,” Emma enjoys drawing and spending time with her yellow Labrador retriever, Sawyer.

Emma is truly an inspiration to others including her biggest fan, her brother Owen.

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• Name: Emma D.Emma Dickman
• Condition(s): Cerebral Palsy
• Age at Treatment: 5
• Age Today: 03/31/200618 Years

Emma Dickman was born thirteen weeks early, weighing only 2 lbs 14 oz., and spent the first 72 days of her life in the NICU at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. One week before her first birthday, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral Palsy, or CP, is a condition that causes movement difficulties. It results from an injury to the brain that occurs before a child is born, during delivery, or shortly after birth. Often times, there is no known reason for the brain injury. There is no cure; however, there are many treatments and resources that can greatly assist a child to ensure they achieve their full potential.

The integrated Cerebral Palsy Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is a multidisciplinary clinic committed to ensuring that every child reaches their full potential. The program emphasizes excellence in clinical care while also focusing on translational research that evaluates the many therapies currently in use, plus those that are just over the horizon.

“We are truly blessed to have such amazing people working with our children. The doctors and therapists are not just professionals, they are members of our extended family,” says Emma’s father, Steve.

Emma may have been born small, but she faces her challenges with a big smile and determination to match. Recently Emma underwent major spinal cord surgery in an effort to enable her to make her biggest dream come true – to be able to walk. Since her surgery, she receives 3-5 hours of strenuous physical therapy each week. Emma’s dad says “She works harder than most adults we know.” When she is not “working,” Emma enjoys drawing and spending time with her yellow Labrador retriever, Sawyer.

Emma is truly an inspiration to others including her biggest fan, her brother Owen.