One of my favorite moments over the past two months with Tashawna – from the fashion shoot to the grand finale – occurred right after the hair and make up stylist had finished making Tashawna up for her very first photo shoot. Tashawna was handed a mirror; and what came next was one of those images I will never forget and will be imprinted in my mind forever. As Tashawna raised the Cinderella like, tiny mirror to her face, there were no words, except a huge smile that erupted from ear to ear and you could see she was smiling outside just as much as she was smiling on the inside.

During Tashawna’s Birthday Party at the George Mark Children’s House I was standing in the back just taking it all in. I was overwhelmed by the thought of why we had all come together; both amazed and happy that the party was truly a celebration with no sign of sadness. Guests were truly celebrating, enjoying one another, bustling around, eating, drinking, laughing and mingling with Tashawna who was front and center soaking in all the love. While I was watching the party unfold, I felt mixed emotions, that of both joy and of sorrow. It was at that time a volunteer came over, introduced herself, thanked me and stood by my side. This truly dedicated volunteer went on to explain that she had been working closely with Tashawna over the years and had witnessed a huge shift in her self esteem. Her words brief, but impactful, and came at just the right time. It was all I could do to hold back the tears.

I feel very fortunate that I will have these two moments and many more, embedded in my memory forever.  To have shared an experience with someone who was a complete stranger before this all started. I am grateful to have spent the summer months of 2015 #MakingFashionDreamsComeTrueforTashawna – and look forward to creating another life changing experience for someone as well deserved in the future.

Gratefully yours,

Debbi

Read the Previous Blog // Tashawna’s Fashion Shoot @ Cuyana – Behind the Scenes

Love Bravely Campaign – Continue to Send Your Support

To learn more about the George Mark Children’s House or to get involved, go to GeorgeMark.org

To see more photographs of Tashawna’s Summer of 2015 go to my Facebook page, Debbi DiMaggio, Realtor, Author, Speaker

Tashawna is living with a life limiting disease called Friedreich’s ataxia which is an autosomal recessive inherited disease that causes progressive damage to the nervous system. It manifests in initial symptoms of poor coordination such as gait disturbance; it can also lead to scoliosis, heart disease and diabetes, but does not affect cognitive function.

This disease took the lives of both her sister and her father.

Photo Credit | Quentin C. Bacon | San Francisco

http://www.prweb.com/releases/celebrate-life/fashion-dreams-come-true/prweb12824386.htm

http://www.prweb.com/releases/love-bravely/tashawna-birthday/prweb12904248.htm