Happy Birthday & Happy New Year

Friends,

2018 has been quite the year. This year has included what will hopefully be the worst day of our life, but has also been filled with a joy and gratitude that may also go unmatched. As the year comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on our year, acknowledge some big news, and most importantly to say thank you. 

Our daughter Emma left this world on February 2nd, 2018.  In our moment of loss, we were able to donate her tumor to the brilliant doctors and researchers at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. And shortly there after, we started Emma’s Memory. The mission of Emma's Memory is to help fund pediatric brain tumor research and prevent such tragedy from happening to other children and families. 

Since March, Emma’s Memory has raised over $200,000 for pediatric brain tumor research at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. We could not have done it without your support. We have nearly 1,000 supporters from all over the world. We have hosted 3 fundraisers in Greenville, St Louis, and Chicago, attended races, and other events sponsored by the oncology community. Whether you have attended our events, run along side us, donated your time, money, creativity, or simply offered your love and support, YOU have made a difference! And we cannot thank you enough. It is truly remarkable how people come together during a time of crisis.

But just because this year is coming to a close, does not mean this crisis is over. It is entirely too often that we hear of kids who are still leaving us too soon. And for those children who are still with us, life after pediatric cancer remains uncertain and challenging. So, we will continue this fight until our kids have a happy and healthy future and their families can hug their kids for years to come. 

We have another whole year of events planned as we work towards our goal of $300,000 to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Program at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Visit emmasmemory.org for updates, events, Emma’s Memory gear, and future plans. 

Finally, Happy Holidays to you and your family. Cheers to a brighter New Year!

Thank you,

Sadie, Kyle, and Emma Finke