photo by Wendy King
Five-year-old Ema McLaughen visit to the Miss Tennessee Pageant preliminary round last week in Jackson was less than 10 days after she had her ninth surgery to alleviate her hydrocephalus received statewide media coverage. Hydrocephalus occurs when there is excessive fluid build-up in the brain's ventricles.
Ema was the guest of Miss Metropolitan Darby Schumacher, and her wish was granted when she met now former Miss Tennessee Shelby Thompson.
The fourth Chattanooga Hydrocephalus Walk, which is chaired by Ema's mother Chara McLaughen, will be held on Oct.
25, at Coolidge Park.