Lower Burrell teen rises above the 'behind-the-back' talkers, counsels other kids

She collected 300 flavored ChapSticks for a Lower Burrell patient in Children’s Hospital to give to other sick kids, then corralled almost 70 friends to sing in front of a cancer patient’s home.

Now, the Lower Burrell teen is starting a nonprofit to help those in need — especially emotional need.

Emma Kobelenske, 17, of Lower Burrell was a normal, bright, engaged student. Then about four years ago, a muscle disorder caused a crooked gait causing her to walk sideways.

She teasingly calls it her “swag walk.”

While Emma’s change in walking technique has slowed her down, she’s not letting it keep her down. To deal with the physical challenge, Emma changed the sport she played, segueing from soccer to swimming.

But she went beyond that.

Emma said she decided to “grab some guts,” and during a class speech earlier this year, she spoke out about people whom she learned made fun of her crooked walk.

“I figured it was time to stand up to the behind-your-back talkers,” she said. “It hurts, no matter the age.”

She wanted to help others who were on the receiving end of some not-so-nice people.

Earlier this year, Emma started a Facebook group: Xo, E

The name stands for hugs, kisses, Emma.

“My condition showed me a sensibility of what other people can feel if they are not treated right,” she said.

Her mother, Courtney Kobelenske of Lower Burrell, a co-owner of the local Cora Lee Cupcakes, has been involved in volunteer work benefiting the school district and community for years.

“I’m proud of her,” she said. “Emma figured it out for herself.”

Tricia Shank, president of the Burrell School Board, is familiar with the community work of Courtney Kobelenske that has benefited school students with developmental and other issues.

“Courtney has been an example for her family, showing them if you want to do good for people, here’s how you do it,” said Shank.

Apparently, Emma has learned by example, and her volunteer work fills an important void, Shank said.

“It’s hard in adolescence to figure out that what you need is a friend and then how to go about that,” Shank said. “Emma is saying, “I’ll be your friend.”

Shank added that any time she was in trouble, “I’d want a Kobelenske in my corner.”

Through her Facebook page, Emma found others are also working hard to blunt then recover from the ill effects of people treating them badly. She has been approached by more than 50 kids who wanted to talk about their issues.

Now, Emma champions those in need by trying to spread some compassion. Emma raised $500 from her Facebook group in January to put together care packages to other kids who contact her with their tales of alienation, bullying and other woes.

She’s even trying to create social events for her Facebook followers and friends where “they can just come and mingle, and not worry about anyone being judgmental.”

Upcoming events include “Breakfast with Ariel,” benefiting a special needs child who needs a therapy pool, at 9:30 a.m., March 21, at Cora Lee Cupcakes in New Kensington, and

Xo,E Bowling Fun at Zone 28 at 1 p.m., May 3.

To learn more, visit Xo, E.

The Kobelenskes expect their nonprofit, “Xo, E” to be formalized by the end of the year.