I've always dreamed of seeing my name in print!

While I was on my whirlwind experience in LA, I had something quite special happen to me. My home-town newspaper reached out to me, and wanted to do a feature on my Make-a-Wish experience! I am so blessed to have gotten the chance to share my story to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette readers. It was wonderfully written by a lovely lady; she did a phenomenal job with bringing my journey to life! I have always dreamed of seeing my name in print; hopefully one day, it will be my words!

Read the full article here!





One of the most incredible parts about my trip was that I was given the opportunity to blog with Glamour Magazine. YES, GLAMOUR! Being a writer for a fashion magazine is but a dream to me. Hopefully, in the future, I can call myself an official fashion journalist; But in the meantime, I will live up my few minutes of fame. Check out the five trends from L.A.'s Runway that you can wear right now! Here!

I am so blessed, and I can't wait to see what the future has in store! Thank you to every one who has supported me along the way! I now feel that I am more than my diagnosis; I am an evolving story, one that is far from the ending.

Who ever said that the genie can only give you three wishes?

Before even stepping foot into the wonderful west-coast, I had so many mini wishes take place in Pittsburgh. Being that I have never escaped the freezing tundra of western Pennsylvania, I had no idea what to expect! Thanks to a very good friend of mine, who knows everybody who is anybody in Pittsburgh, I was able to meet some incredible individuals in the fashion world! They were each so willing to hear my story and become a part of it.

Sabika jewelry is a family owned company by Karin and Conrad Mayr; along with their children, Alexandra and Kerstin. Their business, located in Robinson township, features handmade pieces from Austria and Germany. Each design is unique in its own because of the different stones and metals. When wearing these exquisite treasures, I feel like attending a dazzling, roof-top dinner while sipping on Perrier and snacking on the finest fromage. 

This family affair is a production from women, for women. They really focus on each glamorous gal who chooses to embody the elegance of Sabika. In my case, I was more than spoiled with this luxury. When they heard that I was attending LA fashion week, they generously offered to give me jewelery so I could be red-carpet ready! I was enchanted to meet this fashionable family, learn the Sabika story, and enjoy a spree at Anthropologie! 

So that would have been enough, right? When you give control to the man upstairs, things evolve immensely. The second meeting I had was with Kiya Tomlin and Sandra (Sandra Cadavid). I was invited to Kiya's studio and we enjoyed a lovely afternoon filled with snacks, sparkling water, and style. I am so thankful to have met these charming ladies! Kiya gifted me with a dress to wear while I am in LA and Sandra accessorized me with delicate designs! Their pieces made me feel as if I could fit in with the lala land luxury.

  

Last, but not least, I had the opportunity to go to Emy Mack's studio in Pittsburgh. She is a local shoe designer that uses all Italian leather. Her heart-stopping heels, fabulous flats, luxurious loafers, and beautiful boots will make you swoon. Her collections are elegant and trendy; Emy truly has a great sole. She generously gave me a beautiful pair of gun-metal flats that will match any outfit! 

I give each of these lovely ladies my utmost graditude. It is a privledge to know them and an honor to wear their designs! Look out; I'm bringing Pittaburgh to LA!!!

A foundation near and dear to my heart

After my diagnosis, when I was referred to be a wish kid, I felt this overwhelming need to give back. Coming from the Wish-kid perspective, it can be quite difficult to be in the spotlight for such a dark reason. Although I, and many other sick children, strive for the sense of normality, there is an undeniable need for some faith to fall back on. That is exactly what Make-a-Wish resembles. This foundation is a symbol of hope for a better tomorrow and a reminder of what the child is fighting for. This organization does no cease to amaze me as it develops unique wishes for children with life threatening circumstances. I knew that if I had the chance to fund for Make-a-Wish, I would take full advantage of the opportunity.

Pretty soon, everything began to fall into place. I teamed up with Froggy Radio station to host a benefit concert, featuring Gary Allan, Jon Pardi, and Kelliegh Bannen. Their support with my project and my story, overwhelmed me immensely. I had the chance to do a radio interview with Jeremy, aka Danger, about the event and why the proceeds were going to Make-a-Wish. It was incredible. After growing up listening to his voice on the radio, I was in his studio, while he interviewed ME. They did a wonderful job with getting the word out about the cause!

Jeremy, aka Danger, and I at the Froggy studio!

Tuesday, February 11th; the actual event day. The concert took place at Latitude 40 with a first come, first serve admission and a $10.00 donation to receive a ticket. In addition to the admission fee, Froggy had some other things up their sleeves. Gary Allan agreed to donate ALL of the proceeds to Make-a-Wish! That's not it! Before the doors even opened, we raised $2,500 by auctioning off two pairs of meet-and-greet and VIP passes! I was amazed. My goal of granting a wish was about to come true.

All together, the show was incredible. Gary Allan, Jon Pardi, and Kelliegh Bannen all joined the stage at one time to play a sort of "front porch acoustic" vibe. The audience was packed with fans who knew all the words, supporters of Make-a-Wish, and my lovely family members/friends. I had the privilege to meet each of the artists and thank them for their help with my fundraiser. In total, we raised a whopping amount of over $9,200!!! I aimed to raise enough for one wish, but the fact that I was able to raise enough for two wishes, surpassed any wish of mine! Thank you so much to every one who made this possible!

The waiting line before the show started!

My dear friends from radiation: Kieran, my little warrior, Abby, Kaden, and Mailee.

My two favorite men: my boyfriend and father.

The lovely Kelliegh Bannen. She was truly a charm and took time to hear my story.

I had the privilege of meeting the amazing, Gary Allan.

This man is so inspirational; I couldn't have done this without him.

Meeting Gary Allan with my daddio!

The handsome, talented Jon Pardi.

Mr. Dreamy, himself.

Some of my beautiful supporters: My teachers, sister, and Danger.

My beautiful aunts and cousin (plus my dad photo bombing).

 

Remy, my Make-a-Wish volunteer. I would be nothing without her!

Without even having my Make-A-Wish trip yet, I contributed to two additional wishes. All of the individuals that were involved with this process were so willing and cooperative. I can't wait to see what is in store for my Make-a-Wish trip, to LA Fashion Week!