Join the Movement
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
The ABTA National Conference brought together patients, families, advocates, researchers, clinicians, and nonprofit leaders working to advance brain tumor research and improve the lives of those affected by this disease. It was an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and keep supporting the mission Emily inspired.
Advocacy • Washington D.C.
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.
Fundraiser • Community
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.
Benefit Dinner • Chicago
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.
Walk • Fundraiser
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
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
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 MemoryOrganizations We Believe In
Each of these organizations was part of Emily's story, or carries forward the mission she gave her life to advance. Donate directly to them in her memory. Every dollar matters.
Research & Treatment
Emily actively participated in their research studies and underwent four brain surgeries that allowed for sample collection as her disease progressed. In her final act, she donated her body to their team. A personalized donation link in her memory exists. Every dollar funds the cure she believed in.
Donate in Emily's MemoryAdvocacy & Research Funding
One of the leading organizations funding brain tumor research and advocating for patients and families navigating this disease. The kind of advocacy Emily's family has called for from day one, because science must be funded, and children must not pay the price when it is not.
Donate NowAdventure & Connection
Emily was a Send It alum. She whitewater rafted, hiked mountains, and made friendships that lasted the rest of her life through their programs for young adults navigating cancer. Progress on Purpose is honored to be named a 2026 charity partner of Sierra Serves through Sierra Sotheby's International Realty.
Learn MoreCamp & Community
Emily attended Camp Mak-A-Dream in 2023 as a cancer survivor. Her name is now on their memorial wall. Jessica had the profound honor of volunteering at camp, riding Roger, the same horse Emily rode, and painting a rock to place beside her name. This camp changes lives. Emily's among them.
Learn MorePediatric Research
The PBTC is at the frontlines of clinical research for children and young adults with brain tumors. Emily's father has been a vocal advocate for funding this work, because when the National Cancer Institute pulls pediatric research funding, real families pay the real price.
Learn MoreComing Soon
This list will grow. Emily touched so many lives and so many organizations were part of her journey. As we continue to build this page in her honor, we will add every organization that carried her, supported her, or is now carrying her mission forward.
More Coming SoonReach out. We will find the right way for you to get involved with the mission, whether that is walking, donating, volunteering, or simply sharing.
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