Help send a CODA on her first choir trip!
Donation protected
Kalissa Hall is a 9th grader at Valencia High School who has a very unique and special story which is very near and dear to my heart. First, she is a CODA. A Child of Deaf Adult. Both of her amazing parents are deaf who support their two daughters in everything that they do. Kalissa, like me, discovered choir in school and her heart just opened. “Choir has really helped me with my socializing skills, my confidence, and to understand that if I make a mistake, it doesn’t matter as long as you can recognize the mistake, and learn from it so next time you are bound to get it right!”
As you might guess, her parents were a bit reluctant to see their daughter get so involved in choir. They have supported her as much as they can, but often feel like they can’t connect to it as they would other activities that are much more visual.
Kristine, Kalissa’s Mom, attended my show SIGNing The Song (my story about being a CODA who fell in love with music because of one incredible choir teacher) this last November and her mind and heart were forever changed. She saw her daughter in every sign, word, and story that night. After she came home from the show, she immediately bought two tickets to the show so that she could bring her two daughters so they could see it. It was amazing. They were SO inspired, awestruck, and felt understood, celebrated, that they belonged. "I really loved William's show because he is a CODA who was in choir and I really related to that. "
After the show, I met her and the rest of her incredible family.
When Kalissa and I talked, she echoed my exact feelings of being a CODA.
IT'S TOTALLY AWESOME!
"I love being a CODA because it makes me unique, I know a different language, and I get the opportunity to grow up in two different worlds: the deaf one and the hearing one. Being a CODA defines me." Agreed, Kalissa. AGREED.
Kalissa’s parents (both are teachers in the public school system) are full force supporting her in Choir now and even reached out to me to tell me that Kalissa has a chance to travel internationally with the choir to Europe. They will go to Greece and Italy and sing all over...including Rome!!! Kristine, Kalissa's mom, is really excited for her daughter to get such a unique and amazing opportunity. They have been fundraising like crazy...selling tickets and cooking items, coupons for restaurants, etc... Working hard!
Then the teacher strike happened. Kalissa’s father is out of work and so they are forced to cut many corners…which include Kalissa’s dream trip with her choir. When I found out, I knew that I had to do something. She HAS TO GO ON THAT TRIP!!!
Will you please help me get a fellow CODA and singer to experience this one in a lifetime opportunity to sing, travel, and gain the experience of a lifetime? We only have until March 1st. I KNOW WE CAN DO IT!
I am forever grateful to you. CODA love.
As you might guess, her parents were a bit reluctant to see their daughter get so involved in choir. They have supported her as much as they can, but often feel like they can’t connect to it as they would other activities that are much more visual.
Kristine, Kalissa’s Mom, attended my show SIGNing The Song (my story about being a CODA who fell in love with music because of one incredible choir teacher) this last November and her mind and heart were forever changed. She saw her daughter in every sign, word, and story that night. After she came home from the show, she immediately bought two tickets to the show so that she could bring her two daughters so they could see it. It was amazing. They were SO inspired, awestruck, and felt understood, celebrated, that they belonged. "I really loved William's show because he is a CODA who was in choir and I really related to that. "
After the show, I met her and the rest of her incredible family.
When Kalissa and I talked, she echoed my exact feelings of being a CODA.
IT'S TOTALLY AWESOME!
"I love being a CODA because it makes me unique, I know a different language, and I get the opportunity to grow up in two different worlds: the deaf one and the hearing one. Being a CODA defines me." Agreed, Kalissa. AGREED.
Kalissa’s parents (both are teachers in the public school system) are full force supporting her in Choir now and even reached out to me to tell me that Kalissa has a chance to travel internationally with the choir to Europe. They will go to Greece and Italy and sing all over...including Rome!!! Kristine, Kalissa's mom, is really excited for her daughter to get such a unique and amazing opportunity. They have been fundraising like crazy...selling tickets and cooking items, coupons for restaurants, etc... Working hard!
Then the teacher strike happened. Kalissa’s father is out of work and so they are forced to cut many corners…which include Kalissa’s dream trip with her choir. When I found out, I knew that I had to do something. She HAS TO GO ON THAT TRIP!!!
Will you please help me get a fellow CODA and singer to experience this one in a lifetime opportunity to sing, travel, and gain the experience of a lifetime? We only have until March 1st. I KNOW WE CAN DO IT!
I am forever grateful to you. CODA love.
Organizer and beneficiary
William Martinez
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
Kristine Hall
Beneficiary