About Smasherson

Smasherson was created in honor of
Emerson Hartley Podojil
and built from the belief that no child or family should face pediatric brain cancer alone.

This foundation exists because of who Emerson was, not just what she went through.

Emerson’s Story

A happy young girl wearing pink heart-shaped sunglasses and a pink swimsuit, holding a small shark on a beach with the ocean and blue sky in the background.

Emerson Hartley Podojil was a healthy, wildly thoughtful, full-of-energy little comedian. She loved her family and friends, and brought joy and light wherever she went. She had quick wit, a big spirit, and the kind of presence people remember.

In early August 2018, after several days of headaches, vomiting, fatigue, and simply not acting like herself, Emerson was taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. A head CT scan revealed what no family is ever prepared to hear. There was an abnormality. She was admitted, and an MRI later revealed a mass in the center of her brain.

Surgery followed, and what began that week became a journey that changed everything.

Even in the middle of it, Emerson remained Emerson. She held onto her humor, her light, and the parts of herself that made people feel at ease.

That is the spirit at the center of Smasherson. Not just the memory of what was lost, but the life, personality, and love that continue to move this work forward. Emerson's story is the reason this foundation exists.

A young girl lying in a hospital bed smiling, holding a pink teddy bear, wearing blue pajamas with cartoon characters, and a hospital gown with pastel colors.

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

Emerson was diagnosed with Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG), one of the most aggressive forms of pediatric brain cancer.

The experience revealed a reality shared by far too many families: When it comes to pediatric brain cancer, hope often outpaces available treatment options.

What began as a fight for Emerson became a commitment to other children and families
facing similar journeys. That commitment ultimately became Smasherson.

Today, the foundation invests in research, support programs, and meaningful moments of care that bring hope, comfort, and connection to families when they need it most.

Why “Smasherson”

Smasherson is more than a name.

Throughout treatment, Emerson’s tumor was often described as a “squishy little ball” that needed to be smashed and gotten rid of. That language stuck. It became something the family said often, something they held onto.

Over time, the name Smasherson was born. A reflection of Emerson’s fighting spirit and the way this community continues to show up with heart, grit, and action.

A young girl with light brown hair, blue eyes, and a bright smile, wearing a pink jacket and green earrings, outdoors next to a large black dog with curly fur.

Child wearing a pink raincoat and hat with pig face design, smiling and holding nose with finger.

From
Grief to Action

Why We Exist

Smasherson exists to do two things:

Fund innovative research through Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s pediatric neuro-oncology team.
Support children and families with programs that bring comfort, encouragement, and connection throughout treatment.

Who We Serve

Children facing pediatric brain cancer who need comfort, encouragement, and moments of joy
Parents, siblings, and caregivers navigating the realities of treatment
Researchers and medical teams working to improve outcomes for children diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer

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Today, every program, partnership, event, and donation is rooted in a simple belief:
No child or family should face
pediatric brain cancer alone.

A family sits on the floor of their home, smiling and interacting with a small, fluffy dog. The family includes two women, a man, and a young girl, all appearing happy and engaged with the dog in a cozy living room with large windows and hardwood floors.

The Family Behind Smasherson

Jeff, Celeste, and Regan are at the heart of Smasherson. Together, they carry Emerson’s spirit forward through the work, relationships, and community that continue to grow in her honor.

Jeff Podojil (Dad): Leads the foundation with a deep commitment to funding meaningful research and supporting families facing pediatric brain cancer.
Celeste Podojil (Mom): Brings heart, care, and connection to every part of the foundation, with a focus on supporting families and honoring Emerson’s spirit.
Regan Podojil (Big Sister): A recent graduate of the University of Kentucky and an important part of Smasherson’s story and community, continuing to carry her sister’s spirit forward.
Ethan & Dakota Podojil (Little Brothers): Officially joined our family in March 2024 and have become the newest members of the Smasherson crew. Although they never met Emmy, they’ve grown up hearing the stories, ask about her often, and carry a little piece of her with them every day.
Amanda Riepe (Family Friend): Amanda is family in every way that matters. Her daughter Sydney was one of Emerson’s closest friends, and Amanda has been a steady source of love, energy, and support for Smasherson from the very beginning.

A group of five people, including two children and three adults, smiling and posing in front of a sign that reads 'Children's Healthcare Atlanta.' Two people are holding children, and all are smiling.

Piggy Pals

The Piggy Pals are more than a
Junior Board. They are Emerson's
lifelong friends.

Friends since kindergarten,
this group of young women stood beside Emerson throughout her treatment journey
and continue to carry her spirit forward today.

They started this journey together.
And they're still showing up.

Piggy Ambassadors

A group of 14 young females and one young male sitting and standing in a living room, with a beige sofa, a rug, a wooden table, and a slot machine in the background.

Launched in 2026, Piggy Ambassadors is a youth leadership program that helps students carry the Smasherson mission into their schools, teams, clubs, and communities.

Ambassadors support fundraising efforts, help create Radiation Countdown Calendars, raise awareness, and serve as advocates for children and families facing pediatric brain cancer.

These students represent the next generation of leaders, advocates, and difference-makers carrying the Smasherson mission forward.

Leadership & Board

The Smasherson Foundation Board of Directors is dedicated to advancing the mission, supporting growth, and helping lead the fight against pediatric brain cancer.