Adorable toddler with NO LEGS captures the hearts of the public, who have paid for her holiday to Disney World
Courageous tot Emberlyn suffers from Caudal Regression Syndrome
A BRAVE toddler who had both legs amputated at ten months has been treated to an exciting trip to Disney by generous members of the public.
After being born in the Buddha position, doctors diagnosed Emberlyn Grace Hemmer, 2, with rare condition Caudal Regression Syndrome (CRS), which affects the lower part of her body.
The congenital disorder, which affects around one in 25,000 births, prevented Emberlyn from being able to control her bowel movements and affected her feeling below the spine.
Doctors made the decision to amputate both of Emberlyn’s limbs at ten-months-old and the courageous tot still has to battle through regular trips to the doctors.
Devastated mum Joanie remembered: ";When I was told, I was devastated and numb to any feelings.
"I had no idea what this condition was and had never heard of it. After researching the condition, reality set in.
"After months of consideration and heartbreaking tears, I had finally come to realise that leg amputation was the best for her.
"No parent should ever have to make the decision of taking their child's legs.
"This decision was the hardest thing I have ever had to do."
What is Caudal Regression Syndrome (CRS)?
- CRS is a congenital disorder, which affects around one in 25,000 births.
- The condition causes an abnormal fetal development of the lower spine.
- In extreme cases, CRS can cause the lower part of the body to become fused, webbed, or smaller.
- It can also lead to sufferers becoming paralysed or losing control of their bowel and bladder.
- Prosthetics can be used to help people with CRS gain back mobility.
Thankfully, the operation was a success and Emberlyn made a speedy recovery.
The little fighter has even learnt how to climb a flight of stairs alone.
Full-time carer Joanie explained: "She was a champ and surgery went amazing.
"She was in the hospital for a few days to recover and she recovered very quickly.
"She loves to show off her abilities by doing flips, head stands and hand stands.”
Caring mum Joanie said: "The girls and I do not get time for a vacation due being a single parent with a disabled child and working on one income with no assistance.
"Emberlyn's life revolves around doctor appointments and special care all the time.
"Then Ellyna, my oldest, her life revolves around Emberlyn's and doesn't get much one-on-one time.”
After starting a GoFundMe page for her two-year-old from Nebraska, USA, doting mum Joanie has been staggered by the response.
Joanie said: ";The girls love Disney Princesses. Everything is Princess.
"My oldest daughter had a Princess Party and they love to run around in their princess dresses.
"I want to be able to see their faces light up and glow with lots of smiles.
"I want to make happy memories with them rather than health problems, doctor appointments and surgery memories."
Remarkably, with the help of charity Chive, generous donations reached over £25,000 in just 23 days.
The funds have allowed the family to book a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disney World.
Delighted Joanie confessed: "I looked at my phone about 5-6 times to make sure it was true.
";I started to cry, I was in shock, I was jumping up and down with joy.
"There were no words as I didn't know how to react as it felt like a dream."