Emily I.
31, Chicago Heights

Surviving cancer at a young age shaped Emily’s outlook on life. It also fueled the 31-year-old’s desire to help others in need, which she does every day in her work as a Food Access & Street Outreach Coordinator for the non-profit organization Respond Now in Chicago Heights.

Raised in Blue Island and now a Park Forest resident, Emily witnessed first-hand the devastating effect coronavirus has had on the most vulnerable members of her community. From her perspective, the COVID-19 vaccination is everyone’s opportunity to reach their goals. For Emily, that means the chance to someday start a family of her own.