BAKERSFIELD - For a Bakersfield girl with Cystic Fibrosis, every birthday is a milestone. And this year, Emma Ritter's only wish is to receive 100 birthday cards.
This is the first year six-year-old Emma is spending her birthday in the hospital. And, her family is asking for help in making it a very special one.
"Everybody agrees she's just the strongest little thing we know."
Emma Ritter has been battling Cystic Fibrosis since she was just 18-months-old.
"It was hard for us to take because I do have a couple friends, one that currently has it and one who passed away when he was 18 years old who I went to school with so that was scary," said Matt Ritter, Emma's father.
Emma's father says while she looks like a healthy little girl, Emma has undergone several surgeries and has to take 12 different medications daily to keep the effects of the disease at bay.
"And it's very tough as a parent to see your child go through that," Ritter said.
Emma's older sister, Abby, and young sister Ayva, do all they can to keep her spirits up.
"I would tell her that I love her," 9-year-old Abby said.
"I miss her so much. That's what we tell her all night. We cheer her up and we pray about her," said 4-year-old Ayva.
Emma will be recovering from her second sinus surgery when she turns seven on Monday. When she told her mother, Lisa, she wished for 100 birthday cards, Lisa took to Facebook to help make her wish come true.
"So what's going to be the hope for 100 I'm assuming is going to be up in the higher thousands. So we're excited," Ritter said.
If you would like to help make Emma's birthday wish come true, you can send a card to:
Emma Ritter, Room 506
C/O: Children's Hospital Central California
9300 Children's Place
Madera, CA 93636
Already Emma has received several cards. Some from as far away as Arkansas.
This is the first year six-year-old Emma is spending her birthday in the hospital. And, her family is asking for help in making it a very special one.
"Everybody agrees she's just the strongest little thing we know."
Emma Ritter has been battling Cystic Fibrosis since she was just 18-months-old.
"It was hard for us to take because I do have a couple friends, one that currently has it and one who passed away when he was 18 years old who I went to school with so that was scary," said Matt Ritter, Emma's father.
Emma's father says while she looks like a healthy little girl, Emma has undergone several surgeries and has to take 12 different medications daily to keep the effects of the disease at bay.
"And it's very tough as a parent to see your child go through that," Ritter said.
Emma's older sister, Abby, and young sister Ayva, do all they can to keep her spirits up.
"I would tell her that I love her," 9-year-old Abby said.
"I miss her so much. That's what we tell her all night. We cheer her up and we pray about her," said 4-year-old Ayva.
Emma will be recovering from her second sinus surgery when she turns seven on Monday. When she told her mother, Lisa, she wished for 100 birthday cards, Lisa took to Facebook to help make her wish come true.
"So what's going to be the hope for 100 I'm assuming is going to be up in the higher thousands. So we're excited," Ritter said.
If you would like to help make Emma's birthday wish come true, you can send a card to:
Emma Ritter, Room 506
C/O: Children's Hospital Central California
9300 Children's Place
Madera, CA 93636
Already Emma has received several cards. Some from as far away as Arkansas.