Six-year-old Emmett was born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a condition that causes fragile, hard-to-build bones. Commonly known as brittle bone disease, OI can lead to deformities, loose joints and, for Emmett, a childhood filled with fractures.

Over the course of a year, Emmett underwent two surgeries at Levine Children’s Hospital, receiving rods first for his femurs, then for his tibias. Emmett’s surgeries were a success, thanks to Levine Children’s world-class pediatric orthopedic surgery team. Today, Emmett is enjoying a life outside of the hospital, a life with fewer fractures – a life as a fun-loving kid.

Before his surgery, Emmett’s condition made walking impossible. But now, the 6-year-old is in physical therapy, where he’s learning to walk for the very first time in his life. Thanks to the care Emmett continues to receive at Atrium Health, he’s experiencing new milestones every day.