Have you ever met someone who completely changed your life? For me, that person is my friend, Emily Tuszynski Shea. Emily and I both started at S/B around the same time back in 2007. I had just graduated college, and she was kind enough to take me under her wing, showing me the ropes of the business for nearly 16 years. I was fortunate to work alongside her as a business partner and am even more grateful to still call her my friend today. Emily is, without a doubt, the hardest working and most talented person I know. She has always gone above and beyond for everyone in her life, never once letting a friend, family member, co-worker, or client down.

In April 2022, Emily was diagnosed with ALK-positive lung cancer. This form of cancer isn’t caused by smoking; it’s a rare mutation of the ALK gene. The medication Emily now relies on wasn’t even available just six years ago. That’s why it's crucial for us to continue supporting research to ensure Emily, and others battling ALK-positive cancer, can have more time to live the life they deserve.

Instead of a birthday gift this year, I’m asking my friends and family to consider donating on Emily’s behalf. It would mean so much to both of us.