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Although Emma’s parents were thrilled with the prospect that Emma’s health was improving, they were nervous and hesitant to take Emma away, even a mile away from the hospital. “I panicked,” says Anh. “It felt so good to hear that news,” she says. “It was like they took a big stone off my shoulders.” But, she resisted moving at first. “I was very scared.”

The move has proved to be a big boost to Emma’s spirits. Emma celebrated her 11th birthday at The Woodmont House with four other Inn families who share the home together. The families surprised Emma with a birthday party. They decorated cupcakes together and Anh, who loves to cook, made a special dinner with Emma’s favorite Vietnamese noodles. “I prefer it here now,” Anh says. Her extended family from Vietnam, including Emma’s cousins, was able to stay with them at Woodmont for several weeks this past summer.

Van Khoa travels back and forth between Vietnam and The Woodmont House when he can get the time off from work. The Inn’s Education Program Coordinator, Ronny Kempenich, visits The Woodmont House once a week to tutor Emma, helping her keep up with her schoolwork. Anh enjoys Mother’s Circle, a weekly chat with other moms in the house facilitated by Woodmont House Manager. “There are many things I cannot share with Emma,” Anh says. “She’s still a kid.” The Mother’s Circle gives her a chance to speak freely with other adults.

>> Learn more about The Children’s Inn at NIH & Give