Emily Elizabeth Duff
Emmy was a three time leukemia survivor who lost her battle at 23 in September 2012. She was originally diagnosed at the age of 7 completing 3 years of chemotherapy at that time. At 14, the cancer returned but she successfully completed a further treatment protocol. She was able to continue her high school education during this time with a combination of online courses and in school classes taking just one extra year to graduate as an Ontario Scholar and receiving an entrance scholarship to Laurier where she studied Communications. Part way through her second year at Laurier, the disease returned for a third time requiring further aggressive chemotherapy. This time the chemo made Em very ill and she required an extensive six month hospitalization, followed by several more months as an in-patient and later as an outpatient at a rehab facility. She was away from Laurier for a year and a half this time but did manage to complete a few online credits at home while doing rehab. In September 2011, against all odds, she independently returned to Laurier and resumed her studies. Sadly this victory was short lived with a fourth relapse occuring during the fall term exams in December 2011. Her parents were honoured with a standing ovation by her peers at fall convocation in October 2012, where they accepted an honourary degree posthumously in her name.
Throughout her journey, Emmy’s remarkable spirit inspired those around her. With her never-failing strength and positive outlook, she embraced life at every turn, including her time away from home as a university student at Laurier.
Emmy was a fundraising advocate for a number of causes, sharing her story with those that were important to her, including childhood cancer organizations, as a Sick Kids Ambassador, for Canadian Blood Services, L.U.C.K at Laurier, and Look Good Feel Better. Em will be remembered most by all who knew her as a thoughtful and caring friend.
Emmy was an extraordinary young woman with a courageous spirit and love for life. This scholarship will not only ensure that Emmy’s memory is carried on but also provide the opportunity for others in similar situations to live out their goals and further their education.
Throughout her journey, Emmy’s remarkable spirit inspired those around her. With her never-failing strength and positive outlook, she embraced life at every turn, including her time away from home as a university student at Laurier.
Emmy was a fundraising advocate for a number of causes, sharing her story with those that were important to her, including childhood cancer organizations, as a Sick Kids Ambassador, for Canadian Blood Services, L.U.C.K at Laurier, and Look Good Feel Better. Em will be remembered most by all who knew her as a thoughtful and caring friend.
Emmy was an extraordinary young woman with a courageous spirit and love for life. This scholarship will not only ensure that Emmy’s memory is carried on but also provide the opportunity for others in similar situations to live out their goals and further their education.