A Life Defined by Love, Compassion, and Purpose

Emily Elkins was born on August 10, 1998, and from the very beginning she was a blessing to everyone who met her. She loved God, she loved people, and she lived her life with a maturity and compassion far beyond her years. Her mom often said, “She seemed older than her years, even as early as two or three. She was always concerned about others when she saw someone in need.”

That compassion shaped everything Emily did. Even as a young child, she joined her family in visiting local “tent towns,” handing out socks, sleeping bags, sweat suits, food, and water—always sharing kindness and telling people about Jesus. She simply could not walk past someone hurting without stopping to help. 

At school, Emily made sure no one ever felt alone. If there was a new student, she invited them to sit with her and her friends. Her circle of best friends—Latrice, Tatiana, Caprice, Jake and Emily—were inseparable, always laughing, always finding something fun to do together. Emily loved her siblings and her many cousins deeply, often saying, “Family is always the best!” 

She was active, spirited, and full of drive. Emily cheered, ran track, and proudly served as a Student Ambassador for Saluda Trail.  

She dreamed of becoming a “Military Girl”—specifically a Navy girl. Go Navy! was her rallying cry. 

But Emily’s greatest calling was her heart for others. 

After being diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation visited to offer her a wish. While many children choose trips or gifts, Emily asked for something entirely different: she wanted to build a homeless shelter for families in her community. That was who she was—if she could make someone happy, it made her happy. 

Her gift of love and forgiveness was extraordinary. She once told her dad about someone who took money from a donation jar, saying, “Don’t worry, Daddy. Just plan it and they will come.” She believed in people. She believed in generosity. She believed that kindness always multiplies. 

Today, her Daddy and the Board of Directors of Emily’s Dream carry that belief forward. We plan, we serve, and we give—trusting, just as Emily did, that when you open your heart, people will come. And because of that, Emily’s Dream continues to grow, helping families, children, seniors, students, athletes, and anyone in need of hope. 

Emily’s legacy is simple and powerful:

Love people. Help people. Make life better for someone else.

And through Emily’s Dream, her light continues to shine.