Emma became a Sweet Reader as part of her school program, when she was in the 8th grade.
At the time, Emma had no experience with or knowledge of Alzheimer’s or dementia. After interacting with Issac, however, all of that changed.
When Emma started high school, determined to do more for people like Issac, Emma and fellow Sweet Reader and friend Benji started the first Sweet Readers Club at their school and soon after joined Sweet Readers Co-Founder Sophie Young to help found the Sweet Readers Leadership Council.
As a Young Leader, Emma rallied her friends and family to participate in our movement for change. She led evenings of baking for our Make a Stand/Take a Stand (which Emma developed and named), and stood on street corners educating the public about Alzheimer’s and brain health. She enlisted her friends to volunteer at our table at the first Teens Take The Met event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and hosted our first Next Steps Gathering in her home.
In her junior year, Emma secured an interview with renowned neuroscientist, Dr. Rudolph E. Tanzi. After collaborating with her fellow Young Leaders, Emma’s interview was so successful it turned into seven educational videos and has served as the foundation for the Leadership Council’s Interview Series. Emma was also instrumental in creating the first Leadership Council Documentary – Alzheimer’s Impacts Everyone (including part of her interview with Dr. Tanzi) which has now been seen in 73 countries and all fifty states.
During her senior year, Emma passed the baton to her sister Tess who has followed Emma’s lead as a dedicated and compassionate Sweet Reader and empowered community builder.
This year, as a Freshman at Yale, Emma is an Alzheimer’s buddy, impacting another life for the better and continuing to inspire everyone around her. We are so grateful for and proud of Emma and have no doubt she will continue to be a catalyst for change.
Thank you Emma!
