Help Andrew raise money

I am running for one reason; because I love my sister Emily (aka Emilou). She is one of the most influential people in my life and I would not have everything I have in my life right now without her.

She was diagnosed with a brain tumor when she was 12 years old. She was in an out of the hospital for most of her life struggled everyday with her diagnosis and everyday life. Despite this she always found a reason to laugh and smile. My sister found a lot of inspiration and hope from charities like Next Step. 

Next Step provides real life experiences and support to young adults with disabilities and chronic illnesses free of charge to the members and their families. My sister was Phat of the Staht of Next Step (Part of the Start in Boston talk). She had been a member of a similar charity for children and teenagers but when she turned 18 years old she aged out of that program  You could tell that aging out of that program really affected her in a negative way. She did not laugh as much and was visibly depressed. Then Next Step came along. She signed up for her first excursion which was camping trip in the Boston Harbor Island. I drive her to the Black Falcon Terminal for the boat ride. She was so nervous and uneasy about the trip that she almost went home. When the trip ended she came home with the biggest smile and kept talking about how much fun she had.  

Thru numerous hospital stays and planned excursions, Next Step was always there for my sister providing her the often overlooked aspect of chronic illness; mental health, hope and fun.

My sister passed away from complications related to her illness in 2009. Since then my family and I have been avid supports of Next Step and it's mission. Please consider donating to provide the same cost free support that Next Step gave my sister and continues to give to my family.

Thank you for reading my story!!