On December 19, 2024, in the library at Waukazoo Elementary, tears fill Elena de Alvare’s eyes as she flips through the pages of a book. Each page draws a memory, and each word pays tribute to a friendship that ended too soon. In de Alvare’s hands, she holds the book she helped make come to life, a heartfelt memoir for her best friend, Emerson Hoogendoorn, whom she lost to cancer. As de Alvare reads the published book for the first time, the weight within her heart intertwines with her inner pride, knowing she has brought Emerson’s spirit to life through a book. It’s more than a book, it’s a piece of de Alvare, a final act of friendship that will continue to live on forever. 

   At just 12 years old, Emerson left behind memories and a legacy. A talented artist who loved to paint, draw, and make jewelry, she enjoyed playing softball, tennis, volleyball, and basketball with her friends. Beyond her talents, Emerson was a bright light, brave, kind, and selfless. Even as she faced her cancer, she remained more concerned with living a full life than with her illness. 

Emerson’s mother, Ami Hoogendoorn, remembers Emerson as someone who saw the good in people. “She was brave, kind, empathetic, creative, smart, and always had a great sense of humor. She always wanted to help others, even when she was going through the hardest times,” Ami said. 

   Emerson was diagnosed with cancer at six years old and faced her battle with a lot of strength. Even as she had surgeries, treatments, and long hospital stays, she stayed positive. When she was diagnosed with a second form of brain cancer in 2023, she understood the criticality of her situation. “She was so afraid she would die and she was devastated that she had to go through more brain surgeries and treatments after she had been doing so well for so long. Despite her fears, Emerson always did her best to be brave and to not let fear take over,” Ami said. 

One of her dreams was to create a book that would help other children who were battling cancer. During fourth grade, Emerson started working on an ABC book about her hospital experience. She worked with her teacher, Instructor Julie Kovacs, and Kovacs’s niece, Anna McCuaig, revising drafts and collaborating with a publishing company to publish the book. “In the spring of 2024, while we were waiting for her “Special Edition” to arrive, I was able to visit Emerson and tell her the Mission Point Press (MPP) had offered to print her book at no cost to us, ” Kovacs said. 

   “She wanted to be a child life specialist when she grew up. She wanted to help kids feel safe in the hospital. And in a way, through her book, she’s doing exactly that,” Ami said. By writing about her experiences, future readers learn what she was like and how she overcame hard times. As quoted by Emerson in her book, “I had to do many hard and challenging things and I wanted to show kids that it can be scary, but you can do it because I did.” Emerson’s words provide reassurance, reminding children facing similar obstacles that they are not alone and bravery comes in many different forms. 

Even for children who may not be facing the same challenges, reading Emerson’s book allows a space into her mindset: positivity, kindness, and strength. Emerson’s book helps children understand the experiences of other children facing impassable illnesses, providing empathy and appreciation for persistence in a world an average child may never face. 

   Although Emerson never got to see the final published copy, she got an early edition while in the hospital. “She was so proud. Even though Emerson had passed away, we knew we had to publish the book to make her dream come true,” Ami said. 

Proceeds from the book go to the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation, continuing Emerson’s mission to help others. In this way, Emerson’s goal of supporting children in hospitals is still being seen, allowing her kindness and compassion to reach those in need, even beyond her lifetime. 

   “Working on this book with Emerson has been a cornerstone of my career as an educator. The most rewarding part is knowing that Emerson lives on through her book. Her spirit, her courage, her sense of humor, and her desire to make a difference in the world are all there to inspire people in years to come,” Kovacs said. She may not have been able to live out her dream of working directly with the kids in the hospitals; however, through her book, she is still giving the kids her guidance, comfort, and hope. 

Emerson was never alone through her cancer journey. From kindergarten to her last days, teachers, staff, and students supported her with fundraisers, hospital visits, and lots of love. This wide range of individuals was known as “Emerson’s Herd,” and they stood by her side until the end. “During this time, we loved and supported her and her family. Some of us were able to go to treatments with her,” Instructor Lisa Foy said. Their dedication shows the same support and encouragement that Emerson was hoping to provide to others through her book. 

   Foy knew the impact Emerson had on the people around her. “She was always thinking about others, even while battling cancer. She raised money to buy toys and crafts for children in the hospital. She taught us to find joy even in the hardest times,” Foy said. 

One of Emerson’s lasting marks is a rock she painted outside Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan. It says, “When nothing goes right, go left.” Finding new ways to bring joy even in the hardest moments was Emerson’s philosophy and she wanted to leave that with others. Her book does the same, showing children that there is always a way forward. 

   Illustrating the book became more than just an art project for Emerson’s friend, Elena de Alvare. It became a way to keep Emerson’s spirit alive. “Emerson asked if I would like to help. I was honored and I’m so happy to be a part of this amazing book,” de Alvare said. 

All of the memories that de Alvare has with Emerson, like playing Yahtzee and making jewelry, will never be forgotten. “At an auction, Emerson put one ticket in for a coffee table. Against all odds, her number was called! We were all so surprised and happy. Emerson went home with a coffee table that day,” de Alvare said. Those little memories are what keep people smiling even through all of the hard times. 

   “The official publication of Emerson the Brave: My Cancer Journey from A to Z was released in late November. My fifth-grade students in the Students Accelerating In Learning (SAIL) program completed a Project-Based Learning in which they planned a Book Release party in December, one day before Emerson’s birthday! There were 250-300 people and we sold out of all our books,” Kovacs said. The overwhelming support for Emerson’s book shows that her story has touched many lives, spreading the same kindness and encouragement that she always wanted to share. 

Her book is being shared with many children across the country, providing comfort and hope to people who are facing a similar battle she went through. It is even helping to influence legislation in Lansing to improve access to pediatric cancer treatments, making sure that Emerson’s impact goes beyond the pages and into a change in the real world. 

   Emerson’s story is one of resilience, love, and hope. “We will never give up hope of finding a cure. Emerson was always the light in the darkness and the rainbow after the storm,” Ami said. Through her book, art, and the many lives she had an impact on, her light continues to shine every day, just like she had always dreamed. 

This is the link to her book for anyone wanting to purchase and learn more about her cancer journey. Emerson the Brave: My Cancer Journey from A-Z