Hello,

My name is Emma Elena Timofte, and I am 10 years old.

I was born on 22 May 2016, and just a few weeks later, my family learned that I have a rare genetic condition called Incontinentia Pigmenti.

When I was around six months old, my parents realised that I was not developing like other children my age. I couldn't sit independently, crawl or keep my balance. My condition affects my nervous system and has caused significant gross motor difficulties and developmental impairment. I am still unable to walk, crawl, sit or stand independently.

For many years, my family has travelled from one therapist to another, always searching for something that could help me gain strength, control and independence.

Four years ago, with the incredible support of so many kind people, my family travelled to Greece for an SPML intervention. It was a very important step in my journey, but it was never the end of that journey.

Since then, I have continued to work incredibly hard.

And there has been progress.

My posture has improved, and I have gained abilities that once seemed so far away. But I am still not where I dream of being. My arms and legs can be very stiff, and I still need a lot of help with movement and everyday activities. At the moment, one of our biggest goals is to improve the strength and control in my arms, so I can gradually become more independent.

Every day is a new challenge, but I keep trying.

Today, my journey involves different therapies, each helping me work towards the same goal: greater independence and a better quality of life.

I currently do:

Hippotherapy – using therapeutic work with horses to help with movement, posture, balance and strength.

Physiotherapy – to keep working on my strength, mobility, posture and physical abilities.

ABM Therapy (Anat Baniel Method) – helping me explore movement, improve awareness and develop new ways of using my body.

These therapies require regular and ongoing sessions. Unfortunately, the cost adds up quickly, and the amount of therapy I need is difficult for my family to afford on their own.

But we don't want to stop now.

After everything I have worked for, we want to keep giving my body and my brain the opportunity to learn, strengthen and develop.

My biggest dream is still the same:

To become as independent as I possibly can.

Maybe one day I will be able to do things that many people take for granted — move more freely, use my arms with greater strength, participate more independently in everyday activities, and keep discovering what my body is capable of.

I love going to school. I have made wonderful friends, and I am always happy to see them. I love books and numbers, and I especially love playing with my little brother, Yanis.

And yes… I still dream about the day when I can run and play outside with him.

We know that progress can be slow. Sometimes it is measured in something very small that other people might not notice.

But for us, every little improvement matters.

Every therapy session matters.

Every new movement matters.

Every bit of strength matters.

And every person who helps us continue this journey matters.

If you are able to support my therapy, any contribution, no matter how small, will help us continue. And if you cannot donate, sharing my story could be just as valuable. You never know who might see it and decide to become part of my journey.

I have already come a long way.

Please help me keep moving forward.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my story, support me, share my journey and believe in me.

With love,

Emma Elena Timofte

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient or surplus funds, the money will be used to support my needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives. If funds cannot be used for me, they will be transferred to Tree of Hope’s general charitable purposes.