Constantly, teenagers and young adults suddenly face what no person is ever truly ready to endure: the serious illness of a loved one.  These trying times too often turn innocence into cynicism, for impressionable young people are never prepared to see the horrors of the real world.  However, senior Emilee Sturm is able to rise above the misfortune and turn her life’s hardest times into her biggest triumphs.

Almost 10 years ago, Emilee’s younger brother, freshman Josh Sturm, was diagnosed with Moyamoya.  Moyamoya is a rare brain disease in which the carotid arteries are blocked, preventing blood flow from reaching the brain.  Without immediate revascularization surgery that routes new blood vessels to the brain, a Moyamoya patient is at high risk for stroke and even death.  Fortunately, Josh won all his battles against Moyamoya, and Emilee used her family’s victory to focus on how others could prevail as well.  Once she realized how much of a toll countless medical bills could take on other families in her situation, Emilee knew she had to help the cause.  Thus, she began her club, Money 4 Moyamoya, this year.

“The surgery is very rare and there are only two specialists in this country, so the cost of travel and living expenses while undertaking treatment can sometimes become unmanageable,” said Emilee.  “All the money we raise will go to help offset these costs for patients and their families.”

Emilee soon shared her ideas with senior Stephanie Hartog, who now serves as the club’s Vice President and Secretary.  Money 4 Moyamoya’s fundraising efforts include bake sales, restaurant benefits, boutiques and garage sales.  Although Money 4 Moyamoya is a new organization and the first branch of its kind, it has not only gained a large amount of student members but has also received support from hospitals throughout California.

“The Moyamoya team at Stanford Children’s Hospital has been very responsive and is excited to see our club start and take off,” said Emilee.  “I have contacted the program coordinator there to see how our profits can best be applied.”

Money 4 Moyamoya has enabled Emilee to tap into something much bigger than herself due to her passionate efforts and driven partners.  However, Money 4 Moyamoya’s personal touch makes it all the more meaningful.

“It makes me feel lucky that I get to be a part of giving back to people [who are] going through the same thing that I went through,” said Josh.  “I am glad that I can impact peoples lives in such a huge way and truly make a difference.”