Emily started fundraising for Dr. Rowe almost a decade ago. Her birthday donation requests grew to become Rowe's Research Runners. After a quarter of a century of living with chronic illness, Emily finds purpose and passion in disability advocacy, awareness, and connection.

When she's not blogging at Chronically Emily, working on RRR, or connecting with fellow patients, she finds joy in cooking; snuggling with her pup; spending time with her boyfriend, friends and family; listening to audiobooks; going for walks; knitting; and cheering on the Golden State Warriors.

I am a self-proclaimed nerd and geek! I enjoy reading, loom knitting, playing Dungeons & Dragons with my friends, and doing data analysis work as part of my career. I live with my cat Simba, who keeps me in cuddles and nudges me to get out of bed.

Dr. Rowe truly was my guiding light during a time when I had given up hope of ever being “normal” or healthy. I volunteer to help support his work, and his ability to help others like me. I also volunteer in support of Emily Steffensmeier, the founder of RRR, who has become a very close friend and an integral source of support in my life.

I spend my days writing about and for other people in my role as an editorial director at Penn State, but rarely write about myself! I am the mom to a Penn State student and a Duquesne Law student, dog mom to two adorable Shelties, an avid traveler, and a somewhat reluctant companion on my husband's RV camping excursions. 

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I volunteer because of Emily - it's that simple. We met in 2017 when she attended a campaign event for my husband, who was running for county judge. I was inspired by her enthusiasm and commitment to helping others with illnesses like hers and realized I had a skill set that could aid in her efforts.