Emma Birch Peterka

Dear friends, family, and community:

In September, Mitch and Sara Peterka received devastating news about their precious 2 year old daughter, Emma. Genetic testing confirmed that Emma has a rare genetic disorder called Niemann Pick Disease Type C (NPC). This disorder is a mutation that causes cholesterol and other fats to accumulate in the liver, spleen, lungs and brain. There is currently no cure for Niemann-Pick disease. It is fatal and children usually die from infection or progressive neurological loss.

Mitch and Sara have consulted numerous doctors in their search for a diagnosis and now for guidance, including a world expert in Niemann-Pick disease at Mayo Clinic, who led them to Rush University in Chicago to be included in a medical trial. Now, every other week they will travel to Chicago from Minneapolis so that Emma can get an experimental drug that can potentially slow her regression. Some children in this study have been traveling to Chicago to receive this treatment for many, many years. 

As you can imagine, Mitch and Sara are in a tremendous amount of pain. This fundraiser is to help ease their pain. Emma's treatment and medical costs are high. Emma will need medical services and equipment to help in her daily life. The donations that you all generously give will help them by easing the financial stress of caring for a terminally ill child.

Anyone who knows Mitch and Sara knows what wonderful parents they are. They are beyond dedicated to making sure Emma is taken care of and has the happiest life possible. Please, let us surround this beautiful family with support and love!!! No one should have to do this alone. Anything is appreciated and felt on so many levels.  


Get to know Emma:

Emma is the sweetest little girl. She has not been able to talk but she loves to make a "Ma" sound for her mama, whom she adores more than anyone. She can sign "dada" in American Sign Language, which melts everyone's heart seeing Mitch light up when his daughter is proudly naming him. Emma loves playing in her baths, listening to music and being read her favorite books. She is spoiled with undivided attention from her loving grandparents who are caretakers to her every week.  Emma's favorite animals are pigs and octopus. For Halloween she was the cutest little piggy. Here is a picture of her signing "pig"!


Thank you for visiting, sharing, and donating! 

Here are more links to stay connected to Emma's journey:

https://instagram.com/bravelikeemma?igshid=1gqjov3pzquqv