When Emerson was born with a severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a condition where the diaphragm doesn’t fully form which prevents the lungs from developing properly, her parents were told the odds were against her. Our team in chopfetalcenter stepped in from the very first moments of her life, guiding her through complex surgeries, innovative care, and months in our Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit. Throughout the years since, she has had countless appointments and procedures - in fact, her family jokes that she's had nearly every body part operated on. Through it all, she has remained determined and strong. Today, Emerson is 18, graduating from high school, driving, and dreaming of a career in healthcare. In honor of #CDHAwarenessMonth, read her story via our link in bio.