Meet Our 2019 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Hudson Valley Champion, 11-year-old Emilie Saltzman from Hopewell Junction, NY

On October 14, 2015, seven-year old Emilie was enjoying a horseback riding lesson with her sister, Ella. In an instant, a pleasant experience turned near tragic when Emilie was thrown from the horse, which caused her to stop breathing and lose consciousness. Family rushed to her aid and administered CPR to resuscitate her. Soon after, Emilie was airlifted to Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, and placed on life support.

The doctors at the hospital diagnosed Emilie with several severe brain injuries, including four brain bleeds, shaken baby syndrome, diffuse axonal injury, and a left temporal fracture. Emilie remained on life support in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for one week. Even after she regained consciousness and could breathe on her own, Emilie was still in a vegetative state, unable to walk, talk or eat, with complete paralysis on her right side.

After 3 ½ weeks in the PICU, Emilie continued the next phase of her recovery at a nearby children's rehabilitation hospital. There she spent four months receiving extensive speech, occupational, and physical rehabilitation to re-learn the functions her body had lost. Today Emilie can walk, run, skip, sing her favorite songs and once again enjoy her favorite food, sushi. 

Recovery from a traumatic brain injury is a long road, but Emilie is driven by a constant determination to not let this injury hold her back!

To make an online donation to Maria Fareri Children's Hospital in honor of Emilie or another friend or loved one, click here, and be sure to choose "Maria Fareri Children's Hospital" from the selection menu.