As a year ending gift to our volunteer team members, we decided to sponsor two tables at the Emma Loves Dogs Gala. This organization has been a very big supporter of our efforts and we wanted to support them back. We were able to “dress up” for the evening and enjoy a night of dancing and spirits.
Emma’s Story
Emma Mertens was an 8 year old girl from Hartland, WI, who was diagnosed with a DIPG brain tumor in early 2019. She fought to live her life to the fullest every day up until the night she passed away on November 17th, 2019.
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is a type of tumor that starts in the brain stem, the part of the brain just above the back of the neck and connected to the spine. The brain stem controls breathing, heart rate and the nerves and muscles that help us see, hear, walk, talk and eat. There is still no cure for this tumor.
Emma had a passion for animals, especially dogs. Emma also loved helping others and, in lieu of gifts, had asked for donations to local animal shelters for her birthdays. On her 8th birthday, we launched the Emma Loves Dogs Foundation to provide financial assistance to those in need that share the same passion for helping animals that Emma had.
Read more about Emma’s life and story on the Emma Loves Dogs website.