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Emma’s Journey recently took a stop in Babylon Village.
Nine-year-old Emma Brussell and her family set up on Fire Island Avenue during this past Saturday’s Spring Fling, raising money for those in need of Diabetic Alert Dogs.
The dogs are able to early detect their owners to take the proper steps to return their blood sugar to a normal healthy range.
Back in 2016, such a dog was all Emma wanted for Christmas.
Emma, who has Type-1 diabetes, wasn’t able to get the dog as a gift, so she came up with a new plan. “She said, ‘Maybe I’ll just sell paintings; I am good at that,’ recalled Emma’s mother, Kelly. “We thought that was adorable.”
Soon after, the Farmingdale family had many people buying her work, including one person who paid $5,000 for a painting.
The Brussells soon raised $15,000 — the cost of Emma’s new dog, Rufus.
“I felt like I was dreaming,” said Emma.
Now, she tries to spread that feeling for others.
“Maybe I can be an elf and put money under the tree for someone else,” she said.
To do that, Emma and her family set up her own nonprofit Emma’s Journey in January 2017.
Since then, they have been going to different events, like the Spring Fling, to raise money for the costly service dogs, which can cost between $10,000 and $25,000.
“She loves to talk and tell people her story,” said Kelly.
Emma’s Journey is looking to purchase their first dog for another family this upcoming Christmas.
“[Diabetic alert dogs] makes it a whole lot easier for people with diabetes,” said Emma. “That’s why I do it.”
to donate
Emma’s Journey is accepting donations online, click here.
Top: Emma Brussell hugging her diabetic alert dog, Rufus, at the Babylon Village Spring Fling. (Credit: Nicholas Esposito)
