At just 20 years old, Emily is touching the lives of children battling cancer through her nonprofit, For Love & Buttercup. Inspired by her own experience during high school when her father was diagnosed with stage 4 thyroid cancer, Emily found comfort in books. Wanting to share that solace, she began collecting books for children undergoing similar challenges.
Starting as a neighborhood effort, Emily’s initiative quickly grew into a nationwide movement. She initially launched the project with a request for donations on the neighborhood app Nextdoor. The overwhelming response filled her parents’ small bakery with boxes of books, turning it into the heart of her operations. With the support of her family, Emily expanded the project into what it is today—a nonprofit that has donated over 20,000 books to hospitals nationwide.
Emily’s efforts have earned her recognition and support from major organizations like Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation. She has also been honored with The President’s Volunteer Service Award and was named CNN Heroes’ Young Wonder of 2023. Her work has been highlighted in outlets such as The Washington Post and Forbes, showcasing her incredible dedication and the impact of her efforts.
Through her book donations, Emily aims to offer not only an escape but a sense of joy and normalcy to children during their hospital stays. Her hope is that the books, which she carefully selects to reflect diversity and representation, will provide young readers with a moment of comfort and connection.
Emily’s journey is a powerful reminder that even in the face of personal hardship, one person’s act of kindness can create a ripple effect, spreading hope to those who need it most.
