The Impact of Showing Up

Every act of generosity helps fund research, support families, and bring comfort to children in treatment. Because of this community, calendars are delivered, patient rooms are funded, families feel supported, and research continues to move forward.

By the Numbers

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$650K+
CONTRIBUTED

Advancing pediatric
brain cancer research
and supporting families

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A young girl wearing orange sunglasses, a white cap with pink accents, and a pink sleeveless top, smiling and holding a blue cotton candy. Other children are partially visible in the background.

400+
DELIVERED

Bringing joy, hope, and encouragement
to children through
Radiation Countdown Calendars

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3 DEDICATED
PATIENT ROOMS

Carrying the Smasherson name at
Arthur M. Blank Hospital in recognition
of the Foundation’s commitment

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From Generosity
to Action

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Research Partnerships

Pediatric brain cancer remains
one of the most underfunded
areas of cancer research.
Smasherson supports innovative
work through Children’s Healthcare
of Atlanta and other trusted partners.

Every investment helps move research forward, improve outcomes, and create more hope for children and families.

Two young girls lying in a hospital bed, smiling and holding hands. One girl is wearing a blue shirt with a dog pattern, the other in a black shirt. They are in a medical setting with tubing, medical devices, and a plush toy nearby.

Comfort & Care Initiatives

Research shapes tomorrow.
Comfort care supports families today.

Through Radiation Countdown Calendars,
Piggy's Brave Bundle, and other programs,
Smasherson brings joy, encouragement, and hope throughout treatment.

Because every child deserves
moments that feel a little brighter.

A young girl wearing a purple sweatshirt with the text "Team Smasherson" and a cartoon pig graphic, flexing her arms and smiling.

Lasting Impact

Since 2019, Emerson’s spirit has inspired Smasherson to turn love into action and bring people together around a shared purpose.

What began as a way to honor one remarkable girl has grown into a community creating meaningful support, lasting connections, and hope for what comes next.

Voices from Families
& Caregivers

"
"During proton radiation, our daughter came to the hospital every single day excited, wondering if there would be another special surprise waiting for her. Those thoughtful gifts gave her something to look forward to, brought smiles during difficult treatments, and made the hospital feel a little less scary. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact on our journey."

— Nalini (Patient's Mom)

"
"Thank you for bringing so much joy to our brave 3-year-old during proton therapy. Every day, she receives a beautifully wrapped surprise that was thoughtfully chosen just for her. She loves waiting until we get home to open it, making each gift a special highlight after treatment. Your kindness and generosity have brought so much light to an incredibly difficult season. It's never just a toy—it's the thoughtfulness, love, and care behind every gift that reminds our family we are not walking this journey alone. Thank you, Smasherson Foundation, for making our little girl feel so loved and celebrated every single day. We are beyond grateful."

— Phuong Hoang (Maggie's Mom)

"
"Smasherson is the best part of the day for many kids. Emory cures cancer, Smasherson restores childhood."

— Margaret Corry, Pediatric RN

"
"I've seen how the Smasherson Foundation transforms the treatment experience. The Countdown Calendar gives children something to look forward to, helping replace fear with confidence… this isn't a small thing, that's tremendous when a child is going through treatment for cancer. It's become such an important part of their journey that it's hard to imagine our pediatric radiation program without it."

— Becca Schuetz, Child Life Specialist

What Your Support Makes Possible

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A child has something to look forward to during treatment.

Two hands holding a heart symbol

A family feels supported during one of the hardest seasons of their lives.

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Researchers gain funding to pursue better treatment options and outcomes.

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A community continues to show up when it's needed most.

donate today

Your generosity fuels hope. Thank you!

7+ Years of Purpose

  • November 2025

    The Blessed Trinity Girls Flag Football Team caught the attention of CBS Atlanta not only for what they were doing on the field, but for how they were serving off it. Their support of Smasherson became a powerful example of young people using their team, their talents, and their community to help make a difference for children and families facing pediatric brain cancer.

  • November 2025

    One Girl Scout troop turned a neighborhood coat drive into an opportunity to do even more. The girls created a Maker’s Table, sold handmade items, and donated the proceeds to Smasherson. They raised $240 for Smasherson, collected more than 50 coats for families in need, and earned an entrepreneurship badge along the way. A small idea became a beautiful example of community in action.

  • December 2024

    The inaugural Smash Bash brought our community together for an unforgettable night celebrating Emerson’s legacy and supporting children and families facing pediatric brain cancer. Together, supporters helped raise more than $200,000 to advance critical research and support Smasherson’s work. More than a fundraiser, it was a powerful reminder of what this community can make possible together.

  • September 2023

    Jeff joined the WSB Care-a-Thon to share Emerson’s story and the heart behind Smasherson with the Atlanta community. The opportunity helped raise awareness for pediatric brain cancer, introduce more people to Smasherson’s mission, and continue carrying Emerson’s legacy forward through a larger community committed to helping children and families.

  • September 2023

    Atlanta’s iconic King & Queen buildings lit up gold and purple in honor of Emerson and children fighting childhood cancer. The annual lighting transformed the Atlanta skyline into a powerful reminder of the children and families at the heart of this mission and the continued need for greater awareness, research, and hope.

  • August 2023

    The Smasherson team joined Dr. Tobey MacDonald and Georgia Tech researcher Dr. Fatih Sarioglu for a firsthand look at research supported by the Foundation. Their teams were studying brain tumor cells and exploring technologies that could help doctors better understand how patients respond to treatment. The visit made something powerful tangible: our community’s investment at work.

  • June 2023

    Smasherson was honored to be featured in Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s 2022 Annual Report, recognizing the Foundation’s support through Radiation Countdown Calendars and research grants. The recognition reflected the two sides of Smasherson’s mission: bringing hope and comfort to children today while investing in research that can create better possibilities for tomorrow.

  • March 2023

    In honor of Emerson’s 15th birthday, Smasherson donated $100,000 to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center to directly support the research lab of Dr. Tobey MacDonald, Emerson’s doctor. His work focuses on advancing treatment options for children with brain tumors and moving closer to better outcomes and, ultimately, a cure.

  • October 2022

    Jeff traveled to Washington, D.C. for the Cancer Moonshot Pediatric Track Update, joining an important national conversation about the future of pediatric cancer research and treatment. He returned with updates on emerging legislation and an even stronger reminder of how much work remains to create better treatment options and outcomes for children facing cancer.

  • October 2022

    11Alive shared Emerson’s story and the mission her life inspired, introducing more of Atlanta to Smasherson and its work supporting children facing pediatric brain cancer. The feature highlighted Emerson’s legacy and helped bring greater awareness to the Foundation’s efforts to provide hope and comfort to children during treatment while supporting the search for better outcomes.