Long Island girl raises funds for diabetic alert dogs

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - When Santa didn't bring Emma Brussell the diabetic alert dog she wanted for Christmas last year, she decided to take matters into her own hands, literally. The 9-year-old from Farmingdale, Long Island, has type-1 diabetes. With help from her mom, she has been auctioning off her artwork to raise money herself.

Kelly Brussell, her mother, said an old high school friend paid Emma $100 for her painting of a tree. That was just the beginning. Emma said someone paid her $5,000 for a painting because they were so inspired.

And an anonymous donor was so inspired that they gave Emma the $15,000 she'd need for the dog. To return the favor, Emma started her own nonprofit to help others with type-1 diabetes.

In honor of Giving Tuesday, Emma is asking all of her followers to help with fundraising. Her organization is participating in charitable giving on Facebook to match up to $1,000 per fundraiser and up to $50,000 per nonprofit. Emma said she is asking for donations to buy diabetic-alert dogs for other people with diabetes.

Emma's dog Rufus is expected to finish training by April. He'll be another layer of protection to help Emma along her journey.