The Story
Emery is her family’s ray of sunshine—and it’s easy to see why. She radiates joy, determination, and a spunky spirit that keeps everyone smiling. Emery loves music, from Carry On My Wayward Son to Wheels on the Bus, and she’s always ready for adventure. Her favorite spot? The ceiling fan aisle at Home Depot. A day with Emery means laughter, movement, and unforgettable moments.
Emery was born with rare, complex medical conditions, including Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome and others affecting her body. Every day involves therapies, medications, and trips for specialized care. Yet, her family clings to joy, feeling lucky to love and care for Emery—and to experience life through her bright spirit.
Because of Emery’s adventurous nature, her parents stayed constantly alert. Her severe light sensitivity made outdoor exploring unsafe without the right space. Their dream: a secure, accessible outdoor area where Emery could safely enjoy fresh air, play, and therapy.
While this project was outside SOARD’s typical scope, we knew Emery deserved a solution. Thanks to Mark Galey of Louver Boss and Master Home Remodeler, who championed her need, we connected with the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA). From there, an incredible team came together. DeckSouth led the charge to bring this vision to life.
The initial plan to improve the patio changed after uncovering a safety hazard: a previous owner had improperly covered the home's septic tank with concrete. Addressing this danger came first. The team safely removed the concrete, repositioned the space, and reimagined the project.
"The way she sparks joy even in the toughest circumstances is one of the many things her family adores about her."
In its place, a brand-new deck with a louvered roof system became Emery’s safe, shaded outdoor retreat. From day one, she was in the center of the action, running around with her communication device and joyfully repeating, “Demo day! Demo day!” Her excitement was contagious, reminding everyone why this work matters.
This project was made possible by Gas South’s generosity. An impressive network of partners, including DeckSouth, NADRA, and many others, joined forces to make it happen. We are deeply grateful to all donors and partners, recognizing them in our communications, materials, and appreciation events.
Because of this community, Emery now has a safe outdoor therapy space where she can explore, play, and simply be a kid—comfortably and securely for years to come. Captured by Maddie Em Photography and brought to life on video by iFrame Media, this project shows what happens when compassion, creativity, and generosity unite to change a child’s world.
