Hello friends, family, and anyone who's found their way to this page.

You’re here because my sister, Emily, was recently diagnosed with Stage II Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma - and for those who have no idea what that is, it’s a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

As much as I wish this were simply an ode to my big sister, we are looking for any help to get her and our family through this. A donation, a message, a gift - anything you feel moved to offer to help Emily through this would mean the world to us. Her treatment is expected to last about four and a half months, and we’re hoping to support her with medical expenses, miscellaneous life costs, and maybe a few DoorDash orders.

Emily has been my big sister for *checks notes* my entire life, and I’ve looked up to her ever since I became self-aware. Over the years, she has humbled me, kept me in check, and made sure I know I’m nowhere near as cool as I sometimes think. She has also challenged me to keep pace with her academic achievements, her vigor for life, and her robust vocabulary - which we both use to call each other names, often relentlessly.

Emily will tell you that she is a 26-year-old high school Spanish teacher, but please allow me to be a proud little brother and flex her status as a University of Pennsylvania (yes, that UPenn) teaching fellow at Milton Academy. *Holds for applause*

Yes, that achievement alone would make any parent, sibling, or relative proud - but that’s only part of who she is. Emily, a Holy Cross graduate, is the mom to two rescue dogs, Boots and Lola. She has visited fourteen other countries - mostly during her studies abroad and as part of her Fulbright Scholarship - including a two-year stretch spent living in Spain. In her free time, Emily loves to read thrillers and mysteries, write, spend time with her dogs, take road trips, stay active, build marvelous creations out of Legos, and spend even more time with her dogs (dogs whom I maintain are INSANE, although she will strongly disagree).

Our loving mom and dad, Susie and Mike, have given us every ounce of love parents can possibly give over the entire course of our lives, and they’ll be with Emily every step of the way. Our little sister, Annie - Emily's built-in-bestie - will be with her every step of the way. Emily’s partner, Ale, will be with her every step of the way. And so will countless friends and family who have already reached out with beautiful messages and offers to help.

She has dominated *Life* so thoroughly that *Life* seems to have thrown this challenge at her simply because she’s already conquered all the others us mere mortals face. I know she’ll dominate this too, and I hope *Life* realizes it might as well give up trying - because she will absolutely crush anything it throws at her. And if it tries again, well… it may be time her little brother steps up and *beats the shit out of Life.*

With love and appreciation,

Mikey (or Mike (or Michael)) Cook (or Cookie)