The inspirational life and tragic passing of a dear friend profoundly impacted Emma Broggi, moving the Piscataway High School senior to volunteer in the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy while simultaneously motivating her to “make every day count.”

A three-sport athlete with an extensive record of volunteerism who excelled in the classroom and served as a student representative on the Piscataway Township Schools Board of Education, Emma is a recipient of the Marisa Tufaro Foundation Greater Middlesex Conference Student-Athlete Scholarship.

The honor comes less than a month after Emma, who endured a rigorous course load with multiple Advanced Placement classes, received a prestigious NJSIAA Scholar-Athlete award.

Emma, who will study fine art and psychology at Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts with the ultimate goal of using her talents to help others, overcame a personal battle with anxiety while being an overachiever.

A teacher who submitted a letter of recommendation on Emma’s behalf astutely captured her quintessence and best summarized the qualities that distinguish Emma from her peers.

“All of Emma’s many accomplishments pale in comparison to her as a human being,” the teacher wrote. “Emma is one of the sweetest people I have ever met, working tirelessly to ensure others’ needs are met before her own. Emma is one of the most compassionate and empathetic young women I have ever had the pleasure to meet and I know she will continue to share her warmth with the community to improve the lives of those around her.”

The untimely passing of Emma’s dear friend, Danny Garofalo, a rising Middlesex High School junior who was just 16 years old when Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy claimed his life last summer, spurred her, like countless others, to follow Danny’s mantra, which is to “make every day count.”

“On July 12, my light dimmed, and along with it, the world lost the best laugh, the most infectious sense of humor, and the greatest teacher in making every day count,” Emma wrote in her scholarship essay.

“Danny Garofalo, one of my best friends, recently lost his battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – the disorder robbing his muscles (including his heart and lungs) of their ability to function. While living with this illness, Danny encountered difficulties in carrying out what we would consider normal, everyday activities and routines. I was able to observe firsthand what it was like to tangibly live with this disease. It was heartbreaking. Having assisted Danny in reaching the straw of his water bottle, feeding him dinner, typing up his essay on the computer, and even scratching his forehead when he had an itch, I did whatever I could to help him.”

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a multi-systemic condition characterized by the progressive loss of muscle and affecting many parts of the body, resulting in the deterioration of the skeletal, heart and lung muscles. Danny was diagnosed with the disorder as a toddler.

“The challenges he faced provide me with motivation to make up for his deficits – pushing above and beyond to search for positivity and happiness just as he did,” Emma wrote. “I have absolutely no words to explain the effect Danny has had on my life and how much I miss him. He taught me it was entirely possible to make the best out of any day, no matter what obstacle came your way. I am constantly reminded to be grateful for those around me, to believe in the good and to believe in myself.”

A rabid Rutgers University football fan, Danny did not miss a home contest for the past 11 years. He was a regular at practices and events and participated in the annual Coach to Cure Game Day Coin Toss.

Unlike Danny’s inspirational life and public journey, which the Big Ten Network beautifully documented with its video presentation of “The Story of Danny Garofalo,” for which Emma was interviewed, Emma fought her battle with anxiety in relative anonymity.

“I am not afraid to share my imperfections,” Emma courageously wrote in her essay, reprinted here with parental permission. “Everyone has a vision of the picture-perfect student and person, where grades come without much effort and life is uncomplicated. In reality, I struggled. I had fears, anxieties, worries, and concerns all the time.”

Emma persevered through her anxiety to earn varsity letters in cross country, swimming and track and field.

She competed with a heavy heart, especially during the fall season, running courageously for her dear friend Danny. One of Emma’s coaches said, “Her passion through adversity is unmatched and inspiring.”

“She is an intelligent, responsible, inspirational and compassionate young lady,” another of Emma’s teachers wrote on her behalf. “In every area of her life, Emma shows excellent character, leadership qualities and compassion to helping others, especially the youth. She is a perfect role model for children to believe in themselves and reach for greatness.”

Emma was selected to speak to fourth- and fifth-graders in the district during an honor roll ceremony “because of her academic success, school and community activities and incredible character.” She delivered an inspirational message that resonated with the students.

Emma continues to honor Danny’s legacy and memory through her involvement with Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, a nonprofit that fights to end Duchenne, accelerates research, impacts policy, demands optimal care, and strives to ensure access to approved therapies.

Rick Mantz, the Rutgers University football program’s director of high school relations, praised Emma for honoring Danny through her volunteerism.

“We obviously have a special place in our heart here at Rutgers for Danny,” Mantz said. “He was an integral part of our program. We are proud to learn (Emma) has done so much to help. She and her family should be very proud, as well.”

As a member of Team Danny, Emma has volunteered and participated in an array of fundraising activities, ranging from her involvement with Walt Disney Marathon Weekend to bagging groceries at ShopRite.

“I will be devastated to lose Emma as a student at the end of the year,” a teacher wrote on her behalf, “but I am also excited because I know she will move on to a place where she can shine as brightly as possible, maximizing the impact that she will have on those around her.”

Emma said she will continue to use the life lessons she learned from Danny in her drive to “make every day count” with a goal of helping others.

Fittingly, perhaps, Emma received a plaque honoring her as a Marisa Tufaro Foundation Greater Middlesex Conference Student-Athlete Scholarship recipient on June 13, which would have been Danny’s 17th birthday.

Emma spent the day keeping Danny in her heart and paying forward the kindness of others.