Emily, 6

Life-threatening pulmonary condition

“I wish to go on a cruise and swim with dolphins!”

Last year around Easter, Emily was in UC Davis trying to figure out why she was so sick and why she had been so anemic, to the point of blood transfusions at the young age of five. After many tests, the doctors determined Emily had Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis, a rare disease characterized by repeated episodes of bleeding into the lungs, which can cause anemia. Fortunately they were able to get her on medication to stabilize her condition and make her well enough to grant her wish to go on a Caribbean cruise and swim with dolphins.

To look at Emily, you wouldn’t think anything is wrong. She’s a beautiful, vivacious, energetic six-year-old who loves to color and read. Her favorite book is Hop on Pop and her favorite movie, not surprisingly is Dolphin Tale. Emily, brothers Dylan, 12 and  Zachary, 18, Mom Tiffany and Dad Steve, went on a Royal Caribbean cruise, where among many other adventures, Emily did get to swim with and kiss a dolphin.

Emily’s mom Tiffany told Make-A-Wish that the time away from doctor visits, tests and procedures was a gift. “We all came back just a little happier – this trip and the memories we created will be something we will all treasure forever.”