Kylie Pratt, a 36-year-old mother from Newcastle, New South Wales, faced an agonizing decision when her daughter Emilee was born with tibial hemimelia – a condition causing underdeveloped bones in one leg. The diagnosis presented Kylie and her husband with a choice: either subject Emilee to a lifetime of painful surgeries or opt for amputation.
The weight of the decision left Kylie grappling with fears of how her daughter would perceive her actions. “I thought she would hate me and think that I did this to her,” Kylie shared. “I also wondered whether it would be possible for her to have a normal life.”
Ultimately, after exhausting all other options, Kylie and her husband made the difficult choice to amputate Emilee’s leg when she was just nine months old. Despite the initial uncertainty, Emilee adapted remarkably well, receiving her first prosthetic leg before her first birthday and walking within weeks.
Over the years, Emilee’s resilience and determination have shone through. Despite facing challenges such as learning to ride a bike with her prosthetic leg, she remains undeterred in her pursuits. Emilee’s passion for swimming has even led her to aspire to compete in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
Reflecting on her daughter’s journey, Kylie believes that Emilee’s experiences have only strengthened her resolve. “Because things take her longer to do, she is more determined,” Kylie remarked. “She has a high pain tolerance, she tries for hours to manage to do things that other people do in minutes and she always succeeds.”
While Emilee has had moments of sadness and frustration about her condition, her overall positivity and resilience have been a source of inspiration. Kylie emphasized that Emilee’s journey has shaped her into the remarkable individual she is today.
In an effort to raise awareness about tibial hemimelia, Kylie and Emilee are actively involved in online support groups and organizations such as Amputee X and Limbs for Life. Their story serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of unconditional love in overcoming life’s challenges.