Big, beautiful bouquets for Emmeline Schumacher, 10, and her entrepreneurial spirit in the face of a horrible foe.
This incredible, can-do girl — the daughter of Jeff and Julia Schumacher of North Canton and a fourth-grader at Lake Center Christian School — was diagnosed in January with an aggressive and inoperable brain-stem tumor.
Here’s a little background on Emmeline’s health crisis and her business plan, as shared by her neighbors Todd and Debbie Jagger:
“After recovery from a brain tumor as an infant followed by radiation at age 1, she was since undergone numerous shunt surgeries to regulate the pressure of fluid in her brain. Although this second radiation-induced tumor was a blow, her family praises God for His goodness in providing these 10 years of life no one thought she would have.
“Emmeline is a sweet girl who is the oldest of five children in her family. She is gentle and unassuming, with a servant’s heart as witnessed by her current ‘Fishes and Loaves’ project of raising money for missionaries (through her school). Even after being diagnosed, Emmeline chose to fulfill her commitment to this project and has thus far turned $50 into more than $7,000 to donate to a missionary family in need!
“Now it’s time to turn the tables and shower Emmeline with our love. Her favorite hobby is making greeting cards. Ever since she was little, her dream has been to someday have her own card shop. Her family, friends, school, church and community are all working together to make this happen.”
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 1, a one-day-only “Emmeline’s Cards & More” boutique is being staged at Oakwood Country Club, 6875 Firestone Ave. NE, Plain Township. All proceeds will go to the family.
In addition to Emmeline’s greeting-card line, she’s also selling gift baskets, jewelry, candy, baked goods and more.
Global mission
Embrace Your Essence Yoga — long active in service work locally, especially the ACCESS Inc. homeless shelter for women and children — is launching a global mission: Voice of Peace’s “Project I Am Free.”
The kickoff is 7 to 10 p.m. today at the studio, 499B Portage Lakes Drive, Coventry Township.
“Funds raised are going to support orphans, individuals living with HIV/AIDS and women/girls rescued from the human trafficking sex industry in Zimbabwe,” wrote Emily Fatkins, owner of the studio. This is to assist with basic care needs: food, soap, toothpaste, school supplies and more.
A benefit concert and art exhibition series is planned all summer long. Artists from the University of Akron community will be involved in the exhibits, and the following musicians:
• May 18 — From Borealis.
• June 15 — Sneaky Pete.
• July 20 — Johnnycake Hollow.
• Aug. 17 — Zach Freidhof.
Cost is $20 in advance, raffle tickets included. Please email Emily at lovepeaceyoga@yahoo.com or call 330-328-7219.
Remembrance Walk
The Akron chapter of Compassionate Friends, a long-standing support group for parents who have lost children, is sponsoring a one-mile “Remembrance Walk” at 9 a.m. Sunday, stepping off at the William Considine Professional Building on the campus of Akron Children’s Hospital.
The $10 registration fee includes a T-shirt and a walking bib on which to place the name or photo of the child being remembered.
A balloon and dove release follows the walk. Friends and family members supporting grieving parents are encouraged to attend. For more information, please call Paula and Dan Dutton at 330-699-5054 or Georgia and Scott Lehman at 330-666-2034.
Donations in honor of a child may be made out to Compassionate Friends, Akron chapter, and mailed to 4476 Hillside Drive, Copley, OH 44312-3070.
Bath Loves Boston
Major kudos to Revere High School freshman and Bath Township resident Dana McKinney, who has organized the “Bath Loves Boston” fundraiser 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 26 at Bath Church United Church of Christ fellowship hall, 3980 W. Bath Road, Bath.
Proceeds will go to victims of the Boston Marathon bombing who are dealing with major injuries, and the relatives of those who died, via the H.A.L.O. (Hope Always Lives On) Foundation. It is a mother-daughter evening with appetizers and desserts, raffle prizes and a fashion show with music. Mothers and daughters of all ages are encouraged to attend. Cost is $10, children under 6 free.
To donate a raffle prize, refreshments, other sponsorships or to make a reservation, please call 330-338-3893 or email Debbie@TimeToSpareLLC.com. For more information, please visit www.halofoundation.com.
Appreciation for teachers
Daniel’s Salon & Spa, 325 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, is extending a special Teacher’s Appreciation Week salon service to “honor the brave men and women” who teach our children now through June 15, with a 50 percent discount on haircuts. Regular price is $40, but it’s $20 for teachers as a giant thank-you for their daily efforts in shaping our children’s minds.
Please call 330-929-2200 for an appointment. Walk-ins also welcome. Please bring proof that you are a schoolteacher.
Docs Who Rock
United Way of Summit County’s “Docs Who Rock,” in its 10th year, is asking musical acts to submit an application and support materials by June 14 to United Way of Summit County, 90 N. Prospect Ave., Akron, OH 44304.
“A committee of musical experts, led by Docs Who Rock co-founder Dr. Terry Gordon, will select participating artists based on information and materials available to them, so the applications should contain as much of the following as possible: current CD, audio and/or video tapes; press reviews/articles; posters/flyers; and a one-paragraph description of the group or artist,” wrote Michael G. Gaffney, United Way’s vice president of marketing.
“As in the past, musical acts must have at least one member who is a doctor (M.D. or D.O.) and who lives or practices in Summit County. Solo acts are also welcome, and all musical styles are encouraged to apply.”
The popular show, which has drawn as many 1,800 people at E.J. Thomas Hall, is planned for Oct. 19. So save the date.
Hope for the Homeless
Hats off to Akron’s Litchfield Middle School, which for the second year in row has completed a Herculean effort in collecting clothing and money to through the “Hope for the Homeless Drive.”
The campaign was the brainchild of Jacquelyn Heisler, a work and family teacher at Litchfield, with a strong assist from Debbie Casanova, a recently retired work and family teacher, and long-term substitute Rachel Matejin.
“The students and staff were able to collect over $330 and at least 10 large, plastic bags full of gently used clothing for Akron Public Schools Project RISE (Realizing Individual Strength through Education),” said Debra Manteghi, Project RISE program manager, who will use “the extra funds to help students displaced from their homes get transportation to school.
The clothing will be stored at the Project RISE clothing room inside Trinity United Church of Christ, where it can be accessed by students and families experiencing homelessness with a referral from Manteghi.
Jewell Cardwell can be reached at 330-996-3567 or jcardwell@thebeaconjournal.com.