My name is Brett Riemersma. I live in Sheboygan, WI. Most of Emily’s family and relatives don’t know me. I raced bikes in WORS for many years and gained friendship with Ian Culver, Dan Ajer, and Dan Manthe. We had some good times together. I realize we don’t associate with each other anynmore because its been years since we’ve seen each other. But when I heard the news from my brother about Emily’s death last week, it was quite a shock. I did not know her well. However, I’ll never forget my trip with my brother and dad to McFarland in the winter of ’99 after the bike season. We planned on going skiing with Ian Culver, Dan Ajer, and Dan Manthe. That’s when I met Emily. She was 14 at the time I was 17. I’ll never forget seeing her smile and laugh with us as we were all hanging out in the basement playing playstation. I know this was 4 years ago but I remember it like it was yesterday. Then we went skiing like the next day and she came along with us to Cascade Mountain. I remember sitting on the chair lift with her and asking her questions about life and goals. She had so much to say and seemed so enthusiastic and cheerful about everything. She was extremely outgoing and my brother liked her and wanted her to go to his prom that following week in Sheboygan. For some reason that didn’t work out. Anyways, I remember asking her about her diabetes, and she hardly thought anything of it. As if it wasn’t even there and she thought it wasn’t a big deal. I thought that is a great attitude to have. I’ll never forget teasing her in line at the chairlifts as we waited to go up the hill. She was really cool and really made our trip that year that much better. I know she is a huge loss to everyone that knew her well. My heart goes out to the Culver family and I’m sure she is in a better place today.