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.