Emma Stromberger
Emma Stromberger / 2024 Team Fundraising
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$7,085
Raised
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$6,000
Goal
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38
Supporters
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85
Days Remaining
Recent Transactions
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Meagan Longley
$516.00 / 20 days ago
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Gregory Johnson
$60.00 / 22 days ago
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Patrick Francis
$103.20 / 23 days ago
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Claire Szabo-Cassella
$10.00 / 23 days ago
Hi, Emma! I'm a friend of your family. Your grandfather was my art teacher at UT; your mother and I have shared many laughs (and what I assume is a love of swimming); and your father and I have shared the stage in many a play. Like me, I. Sure they are proud of your participation in this fundraiser. 💖
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Thomas Selby
$500.00 / 23 days ago
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David Weiser
$206.40 / 24 days ago
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Daniel Galewsky
$51.60 / 24 days ago
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Robert Garrett
$51.60 / 24 days ago
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Thomas L Patterson
$100.00 / 51 days ago
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Patricia Rusthoven
$103.20 / 66 days ago
Have a safe and wonderful ride! I'm so proud of you and all the riders.
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Karla Stromberger
$41.28 / 89 days ago
I haven't met Emma, but her grandfather is a first cousin whom I know! I hope I hear when you get to Napa so I can take a few minutes to meet you. I assume your place to stay is just a few minutes from my house! Have an amazing journey to all of you who ride this route! I know the California, Oregon and Washington part of it well!
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Robert & Carolyn Regan
$500.00 / 120 days ago
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Anonymous
$500.00 / 123 days ago
Proud of what you are doing. Keep up the training, and good luck this summer.
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Karen Mauldin
$51.60 / 123 days ago
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Molly Mathis
$20.64 / 124 days ago
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Kathryn Ford
$51.60 / 125 days ago
Emma, what a wonderful mission to undertake!! Good luck and have fun!!
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John Doherty
$77.40 / 125 days ago
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Marion Muenzenberger
$200.00 / 127 days ago
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August Stromberger
$61.92 / 137 days ago
Merry Christmas! Hope this helps get you past that final fundraising stretch.
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About Emma Stromberger
My grandmother’s name is Mary Lou Levers, but to me she has always been Gabba. We call her Gabba because when my brother was little he couldn’t say ‘Grandma,’ and it stuck. It is a rather unique name for a grandmother, and I think it suits her perfectly. She has a very strong sense of self, and has never let anyone tell her what to do. My mom thinks I take after her in this way. She lived in the Northeast for much of my childhood, during which she was twice diagnosed, treated, and went into remission for breast cancer. After beating breast cancer, she was diagnosed with a form of skin cancer that caused her to have part of her jaw removed. I remember seeing her radiation mask in her garage, and being so frightened. I was young so I didn’t know how it was used, but I did know that my lovely grandmother was going through something horrible. Gabba is a very talented artist, and I attribute my love of drawing my little doodles to her and growing up surrounded by her art. Every birthday and Christmas she gets me a new set of Faber Castell pens because they are her favorite to draw with. Today at 93, she is living with my aunt and uncle in Austin. Having had cancer three times over the past 30 years, she has benefited greatly by advancements in cancer research. Last year, she was hospitalized for issues unrelated to cancer, and for a few months, she went back and forth from the hospital to rehab. We thought we were close to losing her, but she is home again, though bedridden. She is surrounded by many books and art by her and my late grandfather and stays busy with sudoku and watching birds out the window. Throughout her arduous health journey her mind has stayed sharp, and it is always a special treat when she decides to tell us a story from her childhood, usually one that leaves everyone in tears from laughing.
Professor James Loehlin is so important to my family and adored by many, especially in the UT community. As Director of the University of Texas’ Shakespeare at Winedale program, he lead students with passion and wisdom through the texts of Shakespeare, and I grew up watching and loving the performances of these works. One thing I will never forget about him is his deep booming voice - a blend of native Texan, mixed with a British twinge from his days studying Shakespeare in England. Every New Year’s Eve in memory has been spent at his and his wife Laurel’s house, with the most wonderful assortment of food and discussion among his generations of students. One of my fondest personal memories of him was from when I was in sixth grade. I was portraying Lady Bird Johnson in a play that I had written for National History Day, and he went out of his way to come see me present my work. Later, before one of his student performances, he told everyone how good my play was and how impressed he had been. During the summer of ‘22, my dad told me that James had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. As he went through treatment last year, he continued teaching his classes because it was what he had always loved. James recently passed in September, and I continue to dedicate my ride to him and everyone who loved him. I think about him everyday.
To me, Texas 4000 is a symbol of hope and grit. The fight against cancer is hard and messy, and Texas 4000 encapsulates the unwavering spirit of those involved in the fight. I ride for those close to me who have or are experiencing cancer’s ruthlessness. I ride for their loved ones who are in the fight with them. I ride for those going through the fight alone and those who lack the resources they deserve. I joined Texas 4000 because it will be one of the most challenging and fulfilling things I have ever done, and stretch my mind, body, and heart in ways I never thought possible. I can’t think of a more meaningful cause to give all of myself to.
To Alaska and beyond,
Emma