October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month; and we want to celebrate one of the resilient children we support through the Medically Complex Conditions (MCC) Life Sharing program at Citizen Care.
Meet Emma, a six-year-old full
of joy, determination, and endless energy. Emma loves playing with her dolls, swinging “big” at home and at the park and watching her favorite shows on her iPad. Emma was born with Down Syndrome, a genetic condition that occurs when a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome twenty-one. She is also diagnosed with Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS), a rare, inherited autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of fever, inflammation, and pain that affects approximately one in 100,000 people.
While both diagnoses come with their own health related issues, they do not define Emma nor slow her down! This summer, Emma and her mom and Life Sharing Partner, Jill, went on all kinds of adventures including camping under the stars, visiting Waldameer & Water World in Erie, and spending time with extended family they hadn’t seen in years.
Emma is known for her tenacity and strong will, she doesn’t give up easily, and her happiness is contagious. She reminds everyone around her to find joy in all life has to offer.
At Citizen Care, we’re proud to support families like Emma and Jill as they grow, explore, and live life to the fullest.
Citizen Care Life Sharing program
Citizen Care Medically Complex Conditions Life Sharing program
