Emma Krall is just two years old, but she has already proven to be a fighter.

The 21-month-old Seattle, Washington, resident was born prematurely and has struggled her entire life. She was born with skeletal dysplasia and scoliosis and was hospitalized for the first eight months of her life.

Recently, she went back for another six-week stay to undergo major spinal surgery at Seattle Children’s Hospital and has to wear a medical device around her head to keep her spine straight.

“She was becoming super close to becoming paralyzed,” her mom, Rachael, said.

Despite everything Emma has been through (and will continue to go through), she is simply a regular youngster who appreciates many of the same things that other little girls her age do, notably princesses. So, just as Emma and her mother were about to be released, the doctors and nurses surprised them with the most lavish farewell party Emma could have imagined.

Doctors and nurses alike wore matching tiaras to Emma’s gadget tiara. Such a one-of-a-kind occasion demanded equally one-of-a-kind accessories. Emma’s orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Klane White, observed, «We don’t put on a tiara just for everyone.» «Emma is unique in that regard.»

Rapunzel herself (volunteer Chael Stenchever) had to be the toddler’s favorite part!

Emma is non-verbal, but the delight on her face spoke for her perfectly. “She was pretty excited,” Rachael confirmed. “I could see it in her face.”

The small girl was in awe of one of her favorite Disney princesses, Rapunzel, as she listened to stories about her adventures and played games with the long-haired lady. If she could speak, she’d tell everyone that this was the best surprise ever, even if the hospital staff believes they’re the lucky ones to be able to make her day brighter.

«There’s just something about her that draws you in and tugs at your heart,» said nurse practitioner Brenda Eng. «And you just want to be kind to her.»

After that unforgettable party, Emma is happy to finally be back at home with her parents — though we’re sure she’ll miss her sweet friends at the hospital.

Working in the medical profession goes so much further than providing care to patients. It’s about helping people through the toughest times of their lives, and giving them a reason to smile. Emma’s medical team went above and beyond to do both.