Christina Potter, far left, artist Anne Neilson, Kate Doerge and her son, Frankie Doerge, at Angels & Art For a Cause on April 19 at St. John’s in Lattingtown. The fundraiser supported Penny’s Flight, a foundation that raises awareness of neurofibromatosis, and helps fund research into a cure.

#VBGIVESBACK

When Kate Doerge lost her 16-year-old daughter Penny in November, no one would have blamed her if she sunk into an emotional abyss and burrowed herself away from the world.

My Daughter’s Life Span Was Short, but Her Wingspan Is Vast. How losing her child to terminal illness gave one woman unstoppable purpose.

By Kate Doerge (as told to Eleni N. Gage)

"It's not your lifespan, it's your wingspan": Girl with terminal illness inspires others

Jenna Bush Hager shares loss of young family friend for important reason

Medical issues never defined Penny Doerge’s short life