Know a deserving young adult who should be one of the ABC7 Cool Kids? Share their story and nominate someone today.
It's the name of a charitable organization she formed after hearing the sad news that her classmate Tyler Broberg had passed away. "One Life to Live" is motivated by the life and memory of Tyler.
"So we came up with this idea, 'One Life to Live,' which kind of encompasses the whole idea of the project. You only have one life to live and what kind of impact you can make in your one life," said Mateu.
Through various fundraising events, including a memorial hike, Emilie has raised thousands of dollars for Habitat for Humanity. It's a group she feels connects with the life of Tyler.
"He was the type of person that always spent Sundays with his family. That was one thing we knew we could give another family, this home to grow up in an environment that Tyler would have enjoyed to give to them," said Mateu.
Emilie brought together so many who knew Tyler. However, above all others, there are two people who intensely felt the compassion of Emilie.
"Because it showed how deeply she feels. How much she cares and how much she cares about other people. She feels what other people are going through and really, truly wants to do something," said Debbie Broberg.
"I want to be an example to other people. Tyler was an example for other people. He was an example to me. Everyone can still learn from him. So I want to be that for other people. I want to be able to inspire others," said Mateu.
Leading a life inspired by one and building new lives for many more, she is our cool kid, Emilie Mateu.
Know a deserving young adult who should be one of the ABC7 Cool Kids? Share their story and nominate someone today.
