THE CHARITY I FOUNDED "A STAR IN YOU" IS A SOCIAL-CHANGE ORGANIZATION THAT SEEKS TO ELEVATE THE WAY WE RECOVER. THE PROJECT PROVIDES HOSPITALS AND CARE FACILITIES WITH TOOLS, TOYS, INSTRUMENTS AND TECHNOLOGIES TO GIVE CHRONICALLY ILL YOUTHS AND THEIR FAMILIES PLATFORMS TO SHINE AND BE CREATIVE!
Bringing Smiles and Tools For Creativity To Those Who Need It Most.
POSTER FEATURING SPONSORS AND DONORS
A GLIMPSE INTO THE PROGRAM
The pale somber walls and dimly lit halls of the Ronald McDonald House seemed to mirror the bleak faces of those within. The sterile living environment was built as a sanctuary for youths undergoing hospital treatment.
I partnered with The Ronald McDonald House to launch a charity program I created entitled, ‘A Star In You’. The program gives hospitals and care facilities tools to provide creative platforms for long-term patients. Since opening at the Ronald McDonald House, the program has launched in facilities including branches of Shriners, Mattel and Maryville.
We launched thanks to the incredible support of grants, donations, volunteers and supporters. When we first arrived at the Ronald McDonald House, It was exciting knowing that we were there to make a long-term difference in the life of each and every child there.
As I glanced around the room, I saw one young boy shuffle towards me, and I wondered what his role in the program might be. The young boy slumped and his eyes lowered. His name was Daniel and he seemed enormously uncomfortable. As he got closer, I suddenly realized perhaps why he was so uncomfortable -- he was missing both of his hands. When he reached me, we began to talk.
I learned his name, his favorite book, a little about his family and the fact that he hoped to be a talk show host but felt that this would be impossible. Daniel confirmed that he believed his lack of hands would exclude him from most things in life, including participation in the program. I encouraged Daniel to join us, showed him instruments that didn’t require his hands at all and added a “storytelling/talkshow corner” complete with a microphone and mini-stage.
Daniel transformed before my our eyes. He opened up and expressed his "inner star", becoming the “show host”, taking a lead role and making music on novel instruments. Later he shared that the opportunity helped him step out of his shell and become the star “he always knew he could be". All children should have tools available to create, learn, invent and have fun. Children in hospitals and long-term care facilities need this especially. This is what the A Star In You program seeks to provide.
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