Emily Never Gives Up!

Emily Foster and her grandmother Betty Geraci, who she affectionately called “Meme”, shared a passion for art. When Emily was a young girl, her mother and grandmother took her to local museums and galleries where they marveled at various splendid works from numerous talented artists.

In 2004, Emily’s family received the shattering news that Geraci had been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Like many patients, the doctors predicted Geraci had between three and six months to live. In 2006, after long outliving the doctors’ prediction, Meme was slowly beginning to lose her battle with the disease. Although her grandmother was still alive and fighting, Emily was feeling helpless. “My grandmother was getting sicker and I just wanted to do something.” So rather than just hope, she decided to try and help! Emily turned to art, a passion she shared with her Meme, and began organizing several local artists for a benefit.

Just as Emily began implementing her idea for an art show, her grandmother succumbed to the disease. Emily devoted the next six months to planning event, which she named, “Art Can Cure”. She created a website, solicited sponsors and secured local artists to participate and donate their art. On the evening of December 2^nd, 2006 Art Can Cure was held in Savannah’s Orleans Hall. Through the sale of tickets and art, the event raised more than $5,000 for the Hirshberg Foundation.

When asked why she chose the Foundation as the event’s beneficiary, Emily replied, “I found the Hirshberg Foundation after Googling “pancreatic cancer”. I read Agi’s story and cried as I read it. The spirit in which The Hirshberg Foundation was created moved me and I knew then where I wanted to help.”

“I think she would have had a ball!” Emily said excitedly when asked what her grandmother would have thought of the event. “She never got to see Art Can Cure come together but I believe she was there in spirit. As the local artwork hung and music played and the people chatted, I could almost envision my Meme going from painting to painting, asking questions and being the life of the party,” Emily continued.

Despite her personal loss and all the effort Emily put into the planning the event, she would like to host one again. “I worked really hard for six months and when the building was set up and guests were there, I was happier than I had ever been. I honestly felt like doing a happy dance and saying ‘I did it!’!”

She added, “I would like to follow in Agi’s footsteps and build a relationship with local hospitals and cancer programs while always having a bond with The Hirshberg Foundation.