At 13 years old, Emma keeps a packed schedule. She’s a multi-sport athlete, playing field hockey and lacrosse and running track. All sports that require endurance, strength, and, of course, strong breathing. But in the summer of 2024, during a track meet, Emma found herself struggling to catch her breath.
Emma had experienced breathing issues before and had even been treated for asthma as a child. But this time, things felt different. So, her family turned to a place they knew and trusted: Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware.
“We’ve been going to Nemours Children’s since Emma was little,” says her mom, Melissa. “Even though we don’t live super close, we’ve always been happy with the care we’ve received there. We continue to go back when we need care beyond what our family doctor can provide.”
Emma first saw the pulmonology team at Nemours, but after a thorough evaluation, they suggested the problem might not be asthma again. Instead, they recommended Emma see an ENT specialist. That’s when Emma met Dr. Barth, who diagnosed her with vocal cord dysfunction – a condition where the vocal cords temporarily close when they should be open, especially during physical exertion.
“Dr. Barth actually did a procedure that same day in the office,” Melissa shared. “They used a camera to look at her vocal cords while she was breathing, and Emma got to watch it on a screen in real time. It helped her understand exactly what was happening in her body, and that it was something we could work on. It was really reassuring to speak with a team that knew what was going on.”
Dr. Barth then connected Emma with Mariah, a speech therapist at Nemours, who played a key role in her treatment. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all therapy plan, Mariah tailored Emma’s sessions to align with her athletic goals and lifestyle.
“Mariah really focused on things Emma cared about,” Melissa said. “She’s a former field hockey player too, so she understood Emma’s world. They even used field hockey drills and treadmill runs at game pace to simulate what was happening during competition. That way, Mariah could give her techniques to manage her vocal cord issues during her sports. They made therapy meaningful to her and that made all the difference.”
Over the course of 6 months, Emma’s therapy helped her master strategies to keep her vocal cords open and relaxed during activity. Today, she’s back to running track, applying what she learned and doing what she loves.
To other parents facing similar journeys, Melissa says, “Trust your doctors. We’ve seen so many specialists at Nemours over the years and every single time, we leave feeling really good about our decision. Whether it’s been broken bones, ear infections, or anything in between, they always know what’s going on and come up with a plan. I would highly recommend Nemours to anyone; it’s a place that truly puts your kids first.”
Emma has since been discharged from therapy, but her care team assured her that she can return anytime if symptoms resurface. For now, she’s staying active and feeling empowered by the tools and knowledge she gained at Nemours. Thanks to her expert care and tailored treatment plan, Emma is breathing easier and using her voice the way she was meant to.
