"That had to be one of the hardest decisions," Glass said. "Emily was always concerned and loved the team more than anything.

For two siblings who are so close and for a family whose life has been forever altered, the decision to forego the fall semester was a small sacrifice.

"I think that when you look at what we are going through a semester off of school is really just not a big deal," Stauffer said. "How little to give up to keep your piece of mind and be there for your family and keep the core together so everyone can pull through."

Two weeks ago, after two months in the hospital, Matt returned to the Stauffers' apartment in Boston. There, he is able to spend time recuperating from his chemotherapy in the constant company of his family.

As each day passes, the outlook appears brighter, and both Emily and Matt hope to return to their respective schools come spring. Until then, however, Emily remains a strong figure on the Crimson bench. As a volunteer assistant, she is able to find solace among her friends.

"It's been great to be around here," said Stauffer, glancing towards her teammates who were scattered around OhiriField. "Even this summer, the team has been so supportive, coming over [to visit] and I have been able to get the laughs. It has been the best relief for me."

"Whenever she comes to see the team everyone crowds around her," Glass said. "Even the freshmen have picked up that she is an incredible person."

When you dream of something for so long, it's hard to imagine anything coming in between you and the assumed inevitable. Emily Stauffer's first three years of Harvard soccer were indeed dreamlike.

She could never have imagined what would eventually stop her momentum. But it is at these times when dreams change and the simple things are re-discovered.

"I need him just as much as he needs me and that's the truth of it," said Stauffer.

Emily Stauffer may not cap off her historic career at Harvard this spring, but she will finish.

And her brother will be right by herside