Advocacy

Near and Dear to My Heart

Advocacy

It’s very important to me to use my music as a mission to bring light to many different organizations and causes that I believe in. Throughout the years I have been a fierce advocate particularly in the special needs community. Whether it’s playing and volunteering at conferences, traveling all over the country to speak at awareness events, or sharing my story in the media, I am dedicated to using my voice to create change. I have shared my story in the media on several occasions as an advocate including: Good Morning America, The Young Icons, ABC7, KTLA, Ability Magazine, Forbes, The Press-Telegram, Allergic-Living Magazine, Aerie, Coastal Canine Magazine, National Geographic Channel, Long Beach Local News, The Balancing Act, and more.

#AerieREAL Changemaker

I recently partnered with Aerie by American Eagle as a changemaker. Aerie is a brand that is dedicated to creating REAL change. Since the launch of #AerieREAL in 2014, the brand has stopped retouching models. In the four years since it started, #AerieREAL has grown from a no retouching campaign into a movement standing for body positivity, empowerment and inclusivity. On top of this, Aerie has been a force in showcasing models with disabilities and special needs.

I have been in love with Aerie’s mission for many years, so I couldn’t have dreamt of a better partnership for myself and my music!

With Aeries support, I was able to bring Better is Coming (The Official Music Video) to life, showcasing the stories of individuals with special needs and showing the world that it’s beautiful to be different. The journey to make this dream of mine a reality has been a long and winding one. I knew that I didn’t just want to share this song with the world, I wanted to create a movement that would truly help others. I wanted to change the way people with disabilities are heard, seen, loved, celebrated and inspired. To be able to do just that and more with the help of a company that I am SO proud to stand behind is a complete dream come true.

One of Aerie’s brand statements is “Be real, believe real”. As an artist and songwriter I am beyond humbled, but also as a woman, THIS is the company I want to stand behind. I am honored to be a part of the Aerie family.

Read the full #AerieREAL Life article here.

Find out more about the 2020 Aerie Changemakers here.

FAACT : Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team

I was born anaphylactic (severely allergic) to 95% of all foods. I have almost lost my life several times due to anaphylactic shock. I have lived my entire life with food allergies and that is why it is so important to me to create awareness about anaphylaxis. I have been an advocate in the food allergy community since I was just a little girl and I will continue to use my voice for this cause as it’s truly education on the subject that can truly save a life.

I am proud to be the ambassador for an incredible organization called The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT). Whether you are newly diagnosed or a long-time member of the allergy community, FAACT is your home for education, advocacy, and connections with other parents and adults affected by food allergies and life-threatening anaphylaxis.

FAACT’s mission is to educate, advocate, and raise awareness for all individuals and families affected by food allergies and life-threatening anaphylaxis. Whether it’s keeping children safe at school, responding to food allergy bullying, traveling, preparing for college, dealing with workplace issues, or simply taking the family out for dinner, FAACT has the facts you need to manage food allergies and stay healthy. FAACT is your voice for food allergy awareness.

To learn more about FAACT or for food allergy education recourses go to: www.FoodAllergyAwareness.org