Emily Yott was diagnosed with leukemia shortly after her first birthday. After 14 months of intense treatment that included a stem cell transplant at Riley Hospital for Children, Emily lost her battle with this horrible disease in May of 2007.

Emily’s parents, Jim and Stephanie Yott, wanted to memorialize their daughter in a special way by allowing her brief life to have far-reaching impact on other children facing life-threatening diseases. The Yotts created a fund in her memory with the help of their financial investment advisor who connected them to Legacy Fund, an affiliate of Central Indiana Community Foundation and the community foundation of Hamilton County.

Through the fund, the Yott family’s vision for Emily's legacy is to create “Emily’s Angels”.  The focus will be to give to people and organizations that assist families forced to travel the journey of childhood cancer.  Hopefully, by helping to fund these organizations, some of the hardships related to childhood cancer can be minimized.

“Emily was a very special little girl who won the hearts of all who met her,” said her father Jim. “She inspired adults and taught us how to live life to the fullest as only a child can, even in the face of disease.” Added her mother Stephanie, “She always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. We love her and miss her every day.”

The Emily Yott Foundation has grown to more than $44,000 since its creation in 2007. To add to the fund, the Yotts have organized fund-raising events, including a dance, silent auction and raffle. 

“Emily's life ignited a spark of giving that overwhelmed and humbled our family,” said Jim. “That spark is now a flame that will burn in our hearts forever. We intend to ‘Pay it Forward’”.

For more information, visit www.theemilyyottfoundation.org.