Finding Zen's Voice - Nova Shek

Hi Everyone!

           My name is Nova Shek. I am 13 years old. I am hoping you will help me with a special project I am doing. I am selling chocolate lollipops to raise money to buy iPads for Autistic children. iPads help some Autistic children talk and communicate when they can't use their own voices. I know this because my little brother Zen is Autistic. My brother doesn't say much and for a long time he wouldn't look at us and we couldn't understand what he was feeling or saying. It made me sad that I couldn't understand what he wanted. I love my little brother very much.

                        Three Christmas's ago we got him an iPad and since he has been using it he talks and laughs a lot more now. Zen goes to a special school that works with him to help him speak and learn.  

                        To raise the money I have been selling home made chocolates in the shape of a puzzle piece for $2. We are using nut free chocolates and you can order them in Milk or White Chocolate. My mom and I make them and we deliver them to you. I'm buying the chocolates with my own money so that everything that you donate will go directly to buying the iPads for the school. If you want to give more then $2 that's ok too!!!!!! Some people have been really nice and don't want the chocolates and just want to help and that's great too.

                        Thank you everyone for taking the time and helping. So far I have donated 2 iPads to Building Blocks Developmental School and another to the Special Needs Program in the Brentwood School District. donated 2 iPads to the Dylan Hockley Fund in honor of Dylan and his special education teacher Anne Marie Murphy. Both Dylan and Mrs. Murphy were killed during the Sandy Hook tragedy in Conneticut. Dylan died in Mrs. Murphy's arms as she was protecting him. Dylan was autistic and his family has set up this fund to help children with Autism in his honor.  When I was reading about Dylan it reminded me so much of Zen. My next iPad went to the KABA an agency in Queens, NY that helps children with disabilities.

                        Ipads have been an amazing tool for kids with autism. Thank you for helping me to Find Zen's voice and the voice of other kids!

                        If you want to ask questions or send us orders you can e-mail my mom at [email redacted] .

                        THANK YOU!!!

Hugs

Nova Shek