Aaliyah's SuperDREAMtastic Photoshoot!
Donation protected
Dearest Friends, Family, Kind Neighbors and Listeners,
As many of you may know, I have been working with an extraordinary student for 8 months. For the past 3 years of her young life, Aaliyah has struggled with Selective Mutism. This rare anxiety disorder causes children to feel they are unable to speak in situations in which they should be able to speak freely. When I first met Aaliyah she was in Kindergarten, and I soon learned that she was known to the other children as "Aaliyah, she doesn't talk!" I immediately felt moved to help this little girl find her voice and blossom to her full potential.
Upon speaking to a clinician friend, I learned that Aaliyah's condition was called Selective Mutism. I began passionately researching the cause, and working with Aaliyah in one-on-one sessions. It was here that we explored the many dynamics of her condition, working together closely to understand and manage her intense anxieties. We began to practice "brave talking" and celebrated each small, yet mighty whisper or sound she made. We were learning together. Every careful emotional risk Aaliyah took was a huge victory. And as she became bolder in her strides, the two of us decided that when the day came that Aaliyah felt brave enough to begin speaking to me, we would celebrate the occasion with something extra special.
Well, I'm over the moon to share that the time has come!!! Aaliyah is no longer silent.She is finding her voice again, and what a beautiful voice it is!! Over the past few weeks, Aaliyah has begun speaking fully and on voice to me, and for the first time in three years to the large majority of her family! She is also fully whispering to all of her teachers and to many of her friends!!!
LET THE CELEBRATION BEGIN:
Three of my most talented friends: Eric Tsuchiyama (photographer extraordinaire),Lizzy Denning (gifted seamstress), and Maggie Denning (cosmetology magician) have all agreed to collaborate with Aaliyah and I to bring Aaliyah's SuperDREAMtastic Photoshoot to LIFE!!! Aaliyah has given Lizzy a wealth of inspiration for her CUSTOM MADE dream dress. Aaliyah has chosen Central Park as her shoot location, is excited to put on a little pair of heels, paint her nails rainbow, and I mean come on who wouldn't want Maggie Denning to do their hair?
We have: Tsuchiyama Photography behind the lens, Lizzy's (I repeat) CUSTOM MADE dress and Maggie's creative stylings.
Here's where we need YOUR help:
The budget for this special project is set at $400. That would cover the artist's costs (fabric, accessories, styling materials, photo printing, hard work and generous time.) ANYTHING you can give will be profoundly appreciated. Whether $1, $5, $20 or more, you'd reach "Angel" status in Aaliyah's life just with your support. The more we can raise, the more"”well, as Lizzy put it, "fancier and princess-like" Aaliyah's dress and experience can be!
Please help us capture and mark this significant moment in sweet 7 year old Aaliyah's life with a photo shoot worthy of her tremendous accomplishments!!
With Love and Gratitude,
Shanna, Eric, Lizzy and Maggie
As many of you may know, I have been working with an extraordinary student for 8 months. For the past 3 years of her young life, Aaliyah has struggled with Selective Mutism. This rare anxiety disorder causes children to feel they are unable to speak in situations in which they should be able to speak freely. When I first met Aaliyah she was in Kindergarten, and I soon learned that she was known to the other children as "Aaliyah, she doesn't talk!" I immediately felt moved to help this little girl find her voice and blossom to her full potential.
Upon speaking to a clinician friend, I learned that Aaliyah's condition was called Selective Mutism. I began passionately researching the cause, and working with Aaliyah in one-on-one sessions. It was here that we explored the many dynamics of her condition, working together closely to understand and manage her intense anxieties. We began to practice "brave talking" and celebrated each small, yet mighty whisper or sound she made. We were learning together. Every careful emotional risk Aaliyah took was a huge victory. And as she became bolder in her strides, the two of us decided that when the day came that Aaliyah felt brave enough to begin speaking to me, we would celebrate the occasion with something extra special.
Well, I'm over the moon to share that the time has come!!! Aaliyah is no longer silent.She is finding her voice again, and what a beautiful voice it is!! Over the past few weeks, Aaliyah has begun speaking fully and on voice to me, and for the first time in three years to the large majority of her family! She is also fully whispering to all of her teachers and to many of her friends!!!
LET THE CELEBRATION BEGIN:
Three of my most talented friends: Eric Tsuchiyama (photographer extraordinaire),Lizzy Denning (gifted seamstress), and Maggie Denning (cosmetology magician) have all agreed to collaborate with Aaliyah and I to bring Aaliyah's SuperDREAMtastic Photoshoot to LIFE!!! Aaliyah has given Lizzy a wealth of inspiration for her CUSTOM MADE dream dress. Aaliyah has chosen Central Park as her shoot location, is excited to put on a little pair of heels, paint her nails rainbow, and I mean come on who wouldn't want Maggie Denning to do their hair?
We have: Tsuchiyama Photography behind the lens, Lizzy's (I repeat) CUSTOM MADE dress and Maggie's creative stylings.
Here's where we need YOUR help:
The budget for this special project is set at $400. That would cover the artist's costs (fabric, accessories, styling materials, photo printing, hard work and generous time.) ANYTHING you can give will be profoundly appreciated. Whether $1, $5, $20 or more, you'd reach "Angel" status in Aaliyah's life just with your support. The more we can raise, the more"”well, as Lizzy put it, "fancier and princess-like" Aaliyah's dress and experience can be!
Please help us capture and mark this significant moment in sweet 7 year old Aaliyah's life with a photo shoot worthy of her tremendous accomplishments!!
With Love and Gratitude,
Shanna, Eric, Lizzy and Maggie
Organizer
Shanna Richey
Organizer
New York, NY
