Get Your Emma's Army T-Shirt!
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Get Your Emma's Army T-Shirt! 〰️
Show support for Emma and the Fuhrman family by purchasing your Emma’s Army T-shirt today! Click here.
Emma’s Army
Fighting To Cure SMA
& Making A Difference
Who Is Emma?
Emma Fuhrman was born in November, 2025 to Maggie and David “Pug” Fuhrman. Despite a healthy pregnancy, labor and delivery, normal newborn screen, and ordinary first weeks of life, Maggie noticed Emma was not moving her extremities or holding her head up as expected. After a week at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in early January followed by a two-week stint in March, an EMG confirmed Emma’s motor neurons were not functioning. A second round of more detailed genetic test results revealed Emma had a rare genetic version of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Emma immediately started the oral medication Evrysdi (R) and is currently in the early stages of her fight. Her family is working with doctors at UPMC to determine next steps for treatment.
Throughout the early stages of this journey, Emma’s family has been deeply moved by the outpouring of love, prayers, financial and other support from their extended family, friends, and network as they navigate this battle. The doctors, nurses, and staff at UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh have been top-notch, caring for Emma as if she was their own. Experiencing such an emotional and difficult journey with a strong support system and seeing others who do not have this has inspired Emma’s family to start Emma’s Army. We believe that God has a purpose for Emma’s life and journey that is bigger than our family and feel called to the Emma’s Army mission.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
- Philippians 4:13
Meet the Junior Colonel
Big BRother Eli
Two and a half years older than Emma, stands her big brother Elijah. He has already shown resilience and love far beyond his years. Since his sister’s diagnosis with spinal muscular atrophy, his world has changed significantly. He has had to share his parents’ time and attention with long hospital stays, medical appointments, and his sister’s medical needs.
He has bravely walked hospital hallways, seen his sister connected to medical equipment, and tried to make sense of how and why she now eats via her G-tube. While he may not fully understand everything, it is obvious he feels the impact deeply. At times, this has shown through in emotional moments and meltdowns. He is navigating a new normal that is unfair for a toddler to have to go through.
Yet through it all, he continues to show strength and resiliency. In his own way, he has become engaged in his sister’s medical journey—observing, asking questions, and adjusting as best as a toddler can. His love for his sister is truly evident.
One of the most meaningful expressions of that love is his frequent use of the American Sign Language sign for “I love you.” This simple gesture became the inspiration behind the Emma’s Army logo, symbolizing not only his bond with his sister but also the heart of the mission: to spread love and support.
Though his journey is different from his sister’s, it is no less important. He is learning, growing, and showing resilience in the face of circumstances he did not choose. His strength reminds us that even the smallest members of a family can be the most courageous.
