Roughriders Present Annual Rough Start Award

Emily Koesters is one in 50 people in the world who has SIOD.

A rare genetic dwarfism disease but she doesn’t let that stop her.

Encouraged by her fight, the Roughriders graced Emily with a major honor.

“This award is annually presented to a young person to honor that person for striving to over come a rough start in life,” Roughrider president “Shotgun” said. 

Not only was she given the award, the Roughriders also donated $1,000 to the Little Giants Foundation which benefits kids with SIOD.

“We’re going to take it straight to the bank and put it into the SIOD research that is helping not only Emily, but kids now and in the future with SIOD. So they really are making a huge impact,” Erin Koesters said.

The night continued with a live auction but it seemed the giving didn’t stop at the original donation.

After an anonymous donor pledged $500, the crowd showed incredible support by donating money directly out of their pockets to add an additional $1,000.

“You just don’t realize how much this is going to help our foundation and helping these kids and you all are apart of our family,” Koesters said. 

Koesters said ever since her family met the Roughriders, they have made a tremendous impact.

“Practically the whole gang comes riding into our four acres and they are bringing with them thunderous sounds of love and generosity,” Koesters said.