Join the Movement

Show up.
Make progress.

Every walk, every dollar, every conversation moves the mission forward. Emily showed up for everything. This is how we show up for her.

Progress on Purpose fundraises for brain tumor research, family support, and advocacy. Every event is a step toward the cure Emily believed in.

Events & Advocacy

Making an impact together.

Fundraiser • Community

Bowl 4 EMZ

Friday, May 1, 2026  ·  Check-in 6:00 PM / Start 7:00 PM
Bowl-Hi Lanes, Huntley, IL
Hosted by Ryan and Taylor Hansen  ·  630-360-4066

What an incredible evening of community, generosity, and hope.

Together, you raised thousands of dollars to support brain cancer research in Emily's honor. Every registration, donation, raffle ticket, sponsorship, and act of generosity helped carry Emily's legacy forward while bringing hope to families facing one of life's most difficult diagnoses.

A heartfelt thank you to Taylor and Ryan Hansen for envisioning, organizing, and hosting this special event in Emily's honor. Their generosity, leadership, and countless hours of planning created an unforgettable evening that celebrated Emily's life while making a meaningful difference for families who continue this journey today.

Because of all of you, Emily's legacy continues to bring hope to families she will never meet.

Advocacy • Washington D.C.

Head to the Hill

May 3–5, 2026
Washington, D.C.
National Brain Tumor Society

Emily's story was carried to Capitol Hill as we met with lawmakers to advocate for increased federal funding for brain tumor research through the National Brain Tumor Society.

Every conversation represented children, young adults, and families whose futures depend on continued investment in research. Advocacy is one of the most powerful ways we can honor Emily's legacy while helping create hope for those still facing this disease.

Benefit Dinner • Chicago

Minds Matter Benefit Dinner

Thursday, May 1, 2026 • 7:00–11:00 PM
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
Tickets from $500 • Sponsorships from $5,000

A high-impact evening supporting research, treatment, and care at Northwestern's Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. The same institute where Emily had her surgeries. The same team that continues to study her tumor today.

Speaking • Leadership

Speaking Engagements

Available Year-Round
Conferences, Organizations, Events

Jessica speaks on leadership, adaptability, navigating complexity, and what it means to make progress with purpose. Topics drawn from 20+ years leading complex organizations and the lived experience of walking through the hardest season of her life.

Walk • Fundraiser

2026 Tampa BT5K

Saturday, March 28, 2026
Al Lopez Park, Tampa, Florida
Team 4EMZ

The Tampa BT5K brought together patients, families, survivors, caregivers, researchers, and advocates united by one goal: ending brain tumors.

Together, you raised thousands of dollars to advance brain tumor research through the American Brain Tumor Association. Every step taken and every dollar raised honored Emily's legacy while helping fund research that brings hope to families facing a brain tumor diagnosis.

Thank you to everyone who walked, donated, volunteered, and proudly supported Team 4EMZ. Your generosity continues to make a lasting impact.

Coming Soon

More Events on the Horizon

2026 and beyond

The journey continues.

As Progress on Purpose grows, new opportunities to advocate, fundraise, speak, and serve will continue to be added here. Every event is another opportunity to honor Emily's legacy and make a meaningful impact together.

The story continues, and we'd be honored to have you be part of it.

In Emily's Memory

Every dollar carries
her forward.

Emily donated her body to Northwestern's Malnati Brain Tumor Institute so researchers could study her tumor and help the next family have a different story. Her personalized donation link keeps that research funded.

Donate in Emily's Memory

Want to help but not sure where to start?

Reach out. We will find the right way for you to get involved with the mission, whether that is walking, donating, volunteering, or simply sharing.

Start a Conversation