from the day i met emma she had a great impact on my life. i can’t give you my favorite memory with emma because all of my memories with emma are unforgettable. every time i was with her she would bring a big smile to my face. watching this whole experience was crazy to me because i wondered why such an amazing person would have to be so sick. i just wanted to take the pain away, because i couldn’t do that i chose to be there for her throughout the whole process and be the best friend to her like she was to me. 
Emma Beatrice Sorensen, you are the strongest and funniest person i know. i love u with all my heart forever and always angel fly high and keep looking down over me and the ones you love ❤️🦋

Dear Kelley, Mike & Michael,

I am blessed to work at the middle school Emma attended.  I currently have two nieces at our school. One in 7th grade, and the other in 8th grade where she had classes with Emma.  I remember the beginning of this school year I was helping with handing out student I'd's. Emma came up to my line with her beautiful smile and tells me her name.  Emma knew I was the aunt of her classmate. Emma asked me "would you like me to bring Alexa her I'd?" I said "sure! Thanks!" I thought to myself how sweet. 
With so many students being upset from the news they herd about Emma I asked my 7th grade niece "are you ok? Did you know Emma?"  She continues to tell me a story about the beginning of this school year my niece dropped her lunch box and was struggling to pick it up due to the brace she wears for her scoliosis. Emma was walking by and said " I'll get it for you!" my niece was so touched by this kind gesture Emma did for her. Emma had no idea that my niece wore a brace from her chest down to her waist because its not visible. All Emma saw was a girl struggling to pick up her lunch box. The morale of this story is how my 7th grade niece was also touched by Emma's kindness.  Thank you Emma for all the good you've brought to us, and you'll forever be in our heart. Love you forever our little Angel! 💖

Dear Kelly, Mike & Mike jr. 
I do not know your family personally, I feel that I knew Emma. I worked with your sister-in-law Susan for about 8 months and in that time Emma was going through her treatments.  Susan would share with me your posts about Emma, how brave she was, how she was doing with her treatments. 
Emma touched my heart in a special way. 
I would light candles for her at church on Sunday.  I would pray each night that there would be a cure for her. 
When a friend notified me last week about Emma passing,  I felt like I lost a family member, my heart was aching.  
The memories I just saw of Emma were so beautiful.  I hope you all can find peace just knowing how much your shining  star was loved by all, including me a stranger. 
At this time ,  I would like to give my condolences to you and your family.
May God keep you all in his care at this time and always. 
Loretta Dennis, Boynton Beach, Fl


We are a cheer family from Michigan with a 13 year old daughter. We have followed Emma’s journey and prayed and loved on your family because you feel like our own! We will continue to pray for you in a time that we can’t even begin to imagine! Love from  the Hit Force Cheer Family and the Fischer Family!

Emma and i have been through so much. our  friendship was like no other. when we met at 2 years old we were inseparable, and until now we have still always been inseparable. i can’t think of one memory that tops the rest. emma and i have so many memories that have happened in the 11 years. from when kelley took us to disney to meet stacey and hadley, to when our moms finally agreed to send micheal, emma, and i to sleep away camp together, and just all the small memories of face time calls, cries, laughs, and all the stupid stuff in between. When our moms took us to camp, we drove the whole way. The whole 12 hours emma and i laughed, complained in Rylee and Emma style, screamed at the top of our lungs out of tiredness, and told stories that i can remember till this day. emma has been there for me through it all. she would always make sure i was okay, and was always there if i needed a shoulder to cry on, a laughing partner, or just a person to get in trouble with. me and emma we’re truly soul sisters. we would spend almost every moment together and could always tell you what the other one was thinking. i will miss the little things like her infectious laugh, radiant smile and he loving voice. Emma was a loving, beautiful, and caring best friend. I can’t believe that i have to say goodbye to my best friend but emma you put up one good fight. I will relive all of our fun and crazy memories as i look up and see your smiling face everyday. Emma has inspired me so much, that i can do anything that i put my mind to and to never give up on myself. I will fight everyday just like you did. i will look up at you and hope that you will look down on me everyday. it’s not a goodbye it’s just a see you later. I will live everyday to its fullest because i know that’s what you would want me to do. I love you best friend with all my heart. Until we meet again. your in a better place now angel. RIP beautiful angel❤️🦋
Love you forever and always emma 

Love you, Rylee 


Emma you have taught us how to be STRONG and LET GO.  You have reached thousands of people's hearts.  Every time I try hard I will think EmmaStrong.  Kisses and hugs to you and your family.  What a family!!

Each time I look outside and see the sun rise, I know that God has his protective arms around Emma and she will always be sprinkling that sparkle! Kelley and I always joked that we would never have to worry about ‘Ms. Emma’. She was always outspoken, loving and you better believe she was having fun no matter what she was doing! My favorite memory was having Emma as my brunch date with Kelley  at the Pelican. In true Emma fashion, she had on the cutest dress, adorable heels and had her purse on her arm ready to EAT! We ATE everything and she was not shy at all.  She enjoyed every minute (and every dessert :) I remember telling her that whenever she wanted to be my dinner date the invitation was always open! To have had the pleasure of having a young lady in my presence who never cared to impress anyone and was comfortable in her own skin will be cherished forever.  I will miss that infectious laugh, the spontaneous cartwheels and cheers at any given time and that sassy smile! I know she’s looking down on you Kelley, Mike, Michael and sprinkling that sparkle! I’ll be right here holding your hand ALWAYS! 

So many wonderful memories come to mind when I think of Emma.  One that brings a smile to my face is when Kelley and I took the kids up to summer camp.  It was  Emma’s birthday and we took the kids to Carowinds amusement park for Michael, Hadley and Emma to get their rollercoaster thrill in❤️.  As we made the 12 hour ride Emma bet me she would get me on a rollercoaster, the mom that has fear of heights and who hates to be upside down.   Well who is going to turn Emma down right?  So of course every rollercoaster Emma walked up to once we hit the park,  and  with  no fear of the drop or speed she would turn to me and say it’s time, ride now or pay up.  I would walk slow or make every excuse in the book to not get on that rollercoaster.  Finally we hit the kid and when I say kid I mean kiddie section of the park, I turn to Emma and say okay I’m ready.  We get on and of course Emma makes sure  she has the seat right next to mine . She needed  the front row seat not to hold my hand but to laugh because she just knew this was going to be the funniest rollercoaster ride she had ever been on.    As we get on  my seatbelt won’t close, my hands are shaking out of nervousness, then I’m  yelling at the operator not  to take off till I’m buckled  in  and when I meant yelling franticly at the top of my lungs.  Emma just sat there with a smile on her face just having a grand old time and laughing.   I did not go on the coaster for wanting to win the bet...: okay maybe just a little . .... nope, I went on because I wanted to feel the love Emma had for rollercoasters and of course to hear her laugh even if it was at my expense.  That laugh just always brought a smile to my face.   So sweet Emma I plan to ride another rollercoaster one day for you and laugh all the way through as it twist and turns and drops from the sky.   RIP  Beautiful Angel .❤️🌻

Love  You Always & Forever 

Marnie 

Dear Mike, Kelley and Michael,

We are sending lots of love, hugs and prayers your way. I am so happy we met and so lucky to have known Emma. Emma was always a ray of sunshine and that laugh! You could hear her laugh from a mile away and it would make anyone smile. I know you all now have a perfect angel watching over you. Rest easy beautiful girl. 

Love the Chiras family!

Ever since my granddaughter Maya Gordon started kindergarten, there was always Emma. Sharing holidays, birthdays or just fun days and sleepover nights, the girls shared a special and beautiful bond. In looking over photos of more than 10 years of friendship, I was struck by how they loved to wear identical outfits. But more than anything, in almost every picture, the girls had their arms wrapped around each other. While not planned, the pictures clearly proclaimed their deep love and respect  for each other.  There are no words to express what an impact Emma and the entire Sorenson family has made on our family. Rest In Peace Sweet Girl.

Dear Kelley, Mike and Michael,
Sending so much love, hugs, prayers, and more love, hugs, prayers your way.  I'm so lucky I got to meet Emma and Michael during your visit to Massachusetts a few years back.  Emma has touched so many people up here that never even met her.  Her positive inspiration has certainly sparkled around the world.  Kelley, I love you and always will, near or far our friendship will sparkle just like Emma.  Sending another hug...Love, Lisa, Dan, Julia, Jonathan & Ava Rocheford.

My most favorite moment of Emma and I has to be when we were traveling on my moms 50th Cruise. We were just coming back from climbing the falls in Jamaica. Her and I had to use the restrooms really bad. So I had taken her with me. Well Emma was taking forever to come out of her stall. So I thought I’d be funny and tell her in a Jamaican accent come on mon hurry up in there. She had asked me I don’t know how many times to repeat myself with that phrase. Every time I did her laugh just got funnier and funnier. Even as years past Emma would still bring it up and ask me to say the phrase. Even then we would either crack a smile or bust out in laughter. So that has to be my most favorite moment with my cousin. Thanks for the many laughs Emma your laughter was truly contagious.

Kelley, Mike and Michael. Lauri and Roy, the whole Mercon, Sherborn and Sorenson family. 

 My heart weeps for you all. I've watched Emma's life vicariously through Lauri and Kelley. Such joy she had, a beautiful and loving young lady inside and out. She loved and was loved. Can I tell you one of my favorite pictures? Its the wallpaper of the EmmaStrong site - her flying - and that's what she's doing now, flying. 

You are in my prayers and thoughts. God Bless,
Melanie Tretheway

I have one memory - seeing Emma at Disney in Epcot having fun with her friends and texting her Mom saying “Wow, what a small world!” 

I’m coming on here to say thank you. I’m forever grateful for Emma’s fight, the pouring out of love/support, and the message I received because of it. I recently relocated back to SoFlo and with a new elevated role I found  myself engulfed in working constantly. Emma’s story brought me back to what really matters. Thank you Emma - for bringing a Mommy back to her kids. ❤️ Know your battle served others.  I’ll be forever grateful. 

Dear em, 
I love you so much you don’t even know. I will always remember basing together for the past couple of years and making me laugh until I was in tears! You always found a way to make me smile even when I am down. You are the strongest girl I have ever met. I know you are watching down on us forever. I miss you lots.  I love you to infinity em. Heaven has gained the most perfect angel. I love you. 

Dear Kelley, Mike and Michael and the rest of the family, 
Our deepest condolences don’t seem like enough. We love Emma so much and our family will miss her shining presence. Emma was a great role model for Sydney and someone Sydney always looked up to. That is why I chose this photo to represent their relationship. It’s not a cheer picture or a posed picture- I happened upon that sweet moment and snapped a picture. Emma was ever so sweetly doting on Sydney and curling her hair. You can see from Sydney’s eyes looking up at Emma she was absolutely loving it. 
You both raised a wonderful young lady, so polite and friendly even to boring ol’ parents. She brought happiness to everyone around her. 
We will continue to pray for all of you asking for strength and comfort during this impossible time. 
We love you,
Stephanie, David, Sydney, Aubrey and Mason Penna 


I met Emma and Kelley at cheerleading. My daughter Gabby and Emma were on the "dream team" Unicorns when they won a paid bid to Summit.  Super mom Kelley impressed me from the start. I kept thinking- "how the heck does she do it all"-I know-it was out of the purest love and dedication for Emma. Emma loved cheerleading and Kelley poured her heart into it-such a dedicated mom and she loved not only her daughter she was there for all the other girls and moms on the team. Her love and dedication to her daughter was infectious and beautiful to see. A special girl with a special family!
Emma sweetheart you will be so missed!!! Kelley, Michael and Mike cherish all the special times and love you shared. We will all celebrate her life forever! We love you Emma-always and forever!!

I met Emma and Kelley at cheerleading. My daughter Gabby and Emma were on the "dream cheer team" Unicorns when they won a paid bid to Summit.  I was immediately impressed by both Kelley and Emma. Super mom Kelley was able to "do it all". She demonstrated so much love and  pure dedication to Emma it was infectious.  I remember thinking to myself-how can she keep it all going?..I know- out of pure love and  total dedication to young Emma. Emma loved cheerleading and the younger girls on the team looked up and respected her.  She was a captain and such a joy to watch compete. I'm so glad I got the chance  to meet her! Such a beautiful girl in and out with the most loving family!! Kelly,Mike and Michael my heart is aching. Its  o painful! Hold on to all the moments you had with her, celebrate her life and know that even though she had a short time on this Earth , we all know how much she was loved by her family and friends.  You will be so missed dear Emma. We love you always and forever sweetheart!!!

I remember taking Sammy, Maddi and Emma to cheer practice and how Emma was the one that would tell me all the details to how practice went! I would love her energy when she hopped in the car! Talking non stop until I dropped her off at home! I also remember that every time she would see me she would give me the biggest hug!!! I am going to miss those big hugs! 

It is with a heavy heart that I write the following words... words I never thought I’d ever have to say... words that no one should ever have to say.  Emma IS a beautiful girl, inside and out. Respectful, kind, funny, silly, talented, cheerful... Emma can light up a room just being near it.  Baseball initially connected our families, gymnastics and cheerleading kept the unity going... a true bond, a true friendship grew over the years. As I write these words, tears stream down my face... there are no words to express the grief and sadness my family feels for the loss of Emma. Nothing compares to the grief and sadness her family feels. But my heart knows that Emma will continue to shine bright and will continue to stay strong for her family as they go through this process of loss. She was taken WAY to early! I’m sad the  girls won’t get to go to high school together, cheer together, party together, get into trouble together, cover for one another... it’s just not fair! We’ve agreed to celebrate her life and every milestone along the way, the way Emma would celebrate... with a kind heart, a beautiful smile, a cheerful disposition and with great strength. She is one of the strongest girls I know! She’s an inspiration to all. I am so honored to have known her and to have watched her grow over the years and share in so many celebrations. She gave so much in her 13 and a half years of life... We will honor her everyday because that’s what she deserves!

Out of the many memories i have with emma I cannot pick a favorite but here is a pretty good one. Once when Emma and I were at sleep away camp when we were about 7. It was late at night and we were in the cabin while everyone was sleeping. Emma was burping on command when she made me fart to wake up the counselors. Instead I pooped myself and we were dying of laughter. The counselors woke up and yelled to us asking why it stunk(in there Australian  accent). Emma and I could not stop laughing as we were hiding in the bathroom throwing away my pants. She found us in there and made us do all the chores in the morning. I love you so much Emma and I always will.  

Mike and family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss of Emma. While I didn’t know her, I knew you Mike and watched you grow up. I am your brother David’s mother Peggy. I can’t even imagine what you are going through at this time, but just what I’ve read about your Emma she was an amazing young daughter. May God be with all of you as he now watches over your Emma. 
Peggy McCarty

I have watched this little princess grow into a lovely young lady.  Her and my grandson were in school together.  I remember the day we went to our grandson's Honor Society assembly, we saw Kelley and Mike walk in.  As ALWAYS both had a huge smile on their beautiful faces.  We exchanged hugs and kisses (like we still do today).   I can't remember a time when Emma and I were in the same area together be it, baseball games, school assemblies or what ever, this sweet Emma would give me a hug around my neck and a kiss.  I felt like her adopted grandmother.  That's what I remember about our sweet girl.  Our paths never crossed without a smile, hug and kiss.  Every time I wear pink, or see a butterfly,  I will think of sweet Emma.  Spread your sparkle in heaven Princess Emma.

Once a Unicorn, Always a Unicorn. It has been said many times, but all the girls and parents who have been Unicorns know it to be a special experience to be treasured forever. Especially if you were part of the 2017-18 "Paid Bid" Unicorn Team. This was a special year. This was the year we met Emma and Kelley. I remember being in Daytona Beach at our first travel competition and we arrived into town late the first night. By the time we got to Sloppy Joes for dinner with the team, the restaurant was packed and there were no seats to be had. I clearly remember Kelley and her sister Lauri jumping into action and asking around to find chairs and squish us in so we could all sit together. Emma got up and made room for my daughter Madison and her friend Kenzi. We became part of the Unicorn family that night and the welcome was warm and genuine. That is how Emma and Kelley are. Always ready to do whatever they can to help people and to express care and concern. I feel very blessed to have known Emma.  She always said hello with a sparkling smile, even when she was not feeling great.  Her brave fight has taught me to treasure everyday. To live life to the fullest. To not stress about the small stuff. To find good in everyday. To #LiveLikeEmma. Fly high sweet girl. You are our forever Unicorn. Love, 
Stacy, Richard, and Madison Havran

I met Mike through work a few years ago. We quickly became great friends as well. My son and I met Kelley, Emma, and Michael while in FL over Christmas last year when the family was kind enough to open their home and hearts to us.   Mike has shared so much of this terrible journey with me over the last year and we’ve cried together often. What always struck me though was Emma’s amazing attitude and Kelley’s incredible strength.  Both Mike and Michael have been so strong and so brave in the face of this awful disease and the whole family has just bonded together to fight it. While I am many miles away, I have felt the love, compassion and strength of the entire family and community during this and the overwhelming support has been amazing. While I am heartbroken for you all, I am also encouraged by the love and support you are receiving. There is much good in the world and Emma will always be a part of that. I love you all!!

I met Emma sitting on her mamas hip as they dropped Michael off in my 2 year old classroom. She wore the cutest guess jean cut off shorts hat her diaper hung out of and she was the cutest!! Kelley and I quickly became friends and our crazy adventures have continued for the past 13 years.  Emma and Emy were like sisters and loved going to concerts together. Ethan  and Emma have had a friendship since they were 2 years old.  I loved that to this day they were in the same friend circle and share so many memories that we don’t even know about. He shared some videos with me and we laughed so hard  at how silly they were together. A true boy/girl relationship that was pure friendship.  
We will love Emma and Mike, Kelley and Micheal until the end of time. They are our family. 

We didn't get a chance to know her as well as most but since the gyms combine this year we were given an opportunity.  She came up to Katelyn (on Medusa) and welcomed her. She also made the sweetest comment to her:  "When I grow up, I want to be a cheerleader like you. I want to tumble as high and have the facials you have. You are just amazing  to watch".  This one encounter told her the heart of your precious daughter.  She was one special girl.

Emma, I’ve loved you since before you were born and that love grew every single day.  You brought so much joy to my life and for that I will be forever grateful. The bond we shared was special, more than aunt and niece but less than mother and daughter - we had our own category!  When I think back on the countless memories I have of you the best are the quiet times when we were alone. We would talk about everything & nothing. Life is precious and you were my most precious gift. I could write for days but you’d roll your eyes at me so I will finish with this - my love for you will never cease and I promise you I will #DoBetter. Rest easy sweet girl. Auntie loves you infinity minus five. 

I always loved seeing Emma at the JCC when the kids were little. She was totally adorable and extremely friendly. We are so sad about her passing. We will remember her always. 

Emma and Shai where such a good friend at the JCC pre School.
We have so many funny memories from this time at our pool, birthdays, Sunday at monkey Joe's and many more playdate.
You will be always in our 💓 always. 
Rest in peace 🙏 beautiful angel 

Kelley, Mike and Michael, With Our heartfelt condolences, We will never forget sweet beautiful Emma , her  Love and Spirit will live on forever. We are thinking of all of you during this extremely difficult time.  #Emmastrong  💗💗💗💗 Always . Our love and support is with you always, Love , Richard , Daniela , Anthony and Giada 

Dear Kelly and Mike, 
Sending you lots of love and strength. We were always praying so hard for Emma. I will do whatever I can to continue spreading  Emma’s sparkle at school and through life.  May your memories of her bring you comfort in this time of sorrow. 

With love, 
The Geraci family 

Heaven has a Special Angel named Emma watching over the world !

Rest In Peace gorgeous girl. May your memory be a blessing and may all those blessings comfort your incredible Mom and Dad, your brother Michael and all your family and friends that were and will always be your biggest cheerleaders! You will always have a special place in our hearts!

Rest in peace Emma I did not know you but it seems like you were so special to everyone. 

I didn't know Emma personally, she inspired me  to live my life Emma Strong 💖 Sending love to her family 

I never had the opportunity to meet Emma but kept up with posts made by her mother.  My cousin, Alice Rick, introduced us to her and her family.
What an inspiration she was and such a warrior.
She is greatly missed and her love will shine everywhere.
My sincere prayers and thoughts are with her family at this time.

I had the pleasure of being in Emma's life from Gymnastics  at such a young age. Then spent many nights sitting for them on the parents date night. This family is what we all should strive to be like!! One of my favorite memories with Emma and Michael was playing The game Head bands and their punching bag,  that we made a fun game with!! And of course Lulu, their dog that we used to dress up and in costumes and she just loved it. We always had fun together. You are so missed!!! 

Emma was such a beautiful young lady full of energy and life.  I have been blessed to have known her since she was about 3 and she was such a great child. I used to watch her cheerleading competition videos and she would always make me cry because she made me so proud!  She was always great at everything she set her heart to, and cheerleading was her passion.  She was a fighter, a competitor and an inspiration to us all.  Rest In Peace sweet angel.

My Emma Lou Who....   I was at the hospital when you took your first breath and I was with you when you took your last.  The “dash”defines all the moments in between.  I am so grateful for all the beautiful and wonderful memories that fill my heart and mind.  In the days, weeks and years to come I know they will continue to make me smile through the tears.  You possesses a special light that not many are chosen for.  Your short time here taught me and so many others how to handle the worst that life can throw at you will bravery, grace and poise.   Your life was extraordinary and you reached all corners of the globe.  Your numbers on either side of the dash were too short but what a dash you created.  Fly high my sweet angel and watch over us all.  I know you are in good company in heaven and there are great plans for you there.  As I told you over and over every day.... time, space and distance mean nothing.  My love will reach you always.  Until we meet again and I get that piece of my heart back that you took with you..... I love you!

I met Emma when she was 3 years old. This little ball of fire! She could do no wrong in her Daddy’s eyes. I remember attending one of her first gymnastics competition. There she was this tiny thing running down the vault runway or performing her floor routine. Mike and Kelley even had a low balance beam at the house for her. Sometimes I would go over to the house and help Emma. These memories and many more is what keeps a smile on my face although my grief is ever present. Emma thank you for sharing your wonderful spark with so many. Rest easy little girl for you are now in his glory. 

First, I want to say I am so sorry for the grief and sorry you are going through right now.  Second, I have never met Emma, but trust me I know her. I was made aware of Emma through my cousin, Alice Rick. She has totally made us fall in love with Emma. For the past year she has shown us what a beautiful young lady Emma is. She has  asked for and received all the prayers from my family and myself. I have grown to love her.  Been through the last year of her life, WITH her.  My heart breaks right now, but I am totally content in the knowledge that she has such a supportive, beautiful, loving family. My heart and prayers continue for all of you.

My favorite memory is the first year Emma cheered! She always worked so hard to conquer every milestone in the gym! After an amazing performance at a competition in West Palm beach, the team received a invitation to the most prestigious event of the season! She was so excited, and her smile lit up the entire arena! Even at a young age she always set her goals high, and worked diligently to accomplish them. 

OBITUARY

Emma Beatrice Sorensen

12 July, 2006 – 30 January, 2020

Babione Funeral Home

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