Singer Songwriter Tell All supports SickKids
The arts hold a special place in the hearts of the Vecchio family. Music and the arts have been there for them in the best of times and in the worst. It has offered them a way to express themselves where traditional methods have failed. It is music that has given them the strength to get through the difficult moments and dance during the happy ones.For seven-year-old Jessica, music has helped to give her the strength and confidence to stand up to her Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) diagnosis.
In January 2011, when Jessica was 20-months-old, she woke one morning showing signs of swelling in her knees and wrists as well as stiffness throughout her body. Within four days, the symptoms had progressed to the point where she could no longer crawl or walk. In February, Jessica was referred to The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and formally diagnosed with JIA.
Jessica has undergone multiple intra-articular steroid joint injections over the years to help reduce the pain and inflammation she experiences. She also receives weekly injections of an immune suppressant.
“Jessica does not let her diagnosis define her,” said her mom, Kristen. “Instead she uses it to make a statement.”
Music has played a major role in helping Jessica to express herself. She enjoys writing her own music, singing along to the radio and performing in front of others.
“When we walk into SickKids, Jessica will often break out singing her favourite lyrics from “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten.
"This is my fight song. Take back my life song. Prove I’m alright song. My power’s turned on. Starting right now I’ll be strong. I’ll play my fight song, and I don’t really care if nobody else believes, ‘cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me!”
Kristen is now using the power of music for something else…fundraising. On September 10, the family will host a Singer Songwriter Tell All. Throughout the evening, four artists (The Fourth Floor, Theo Tams, Michie Mee and Jonathan Roy) will share their stories of difficult times and perform the music that was inspired by those moments.
“I had the honour of working on a project with Sony award winning producer Rob Wells,” said Kristen. “Through him, I had the opportunity to attend a couple of Singer Songwriter circles. During those circles, I found myself moved to tears by the stories they shared.”
Kristen also discovered a similar message being conveyed at each of the circles she attended: even in difficult times, beauty can be found.
“I knew instantly that this message needed to be shared. My hope is that people will attend the Singer Songwriter Tell All and not only be inspired, but uplifted, by the evening.”
Funds raised at the September 10 event will support a number of initiatives within the Division of Rheumatology at SickKids, including: trainee research projects, new patient orientation resources for both parents and children to help them cope with and understand their diagnosis, and funding the participation of the Rheumatology team in the Paediatric Rheumatology – Care and Outcomes Improvement Network.
“For us, SickKids is a second home filled with family,” said Kristen. “Whether it is the doctors, nurses, volunteers or other patients and their families, they have all found a very special place in our heart. We are forever grateful for all the support we have received.”
If you would like to learn more about the Singer Songwriter Tell All, please visit the event website. Not able to attend but still want to support the Division of Rheumatology? You can give an online donation here.
“Jessica does not let her diagnosis define her,” said her mom, Kristen. “Instead she uses it to make a statement.”
Music has played a major role in helping Jessica to express herself. She enjoys writing her own music, singing along to the radio and performing in front of others.
“When we walk into SickKids, Jessica will often break out singing her favourite lyrics from “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten.
"This is my fight song. Take back my life song. Prove I’m alright song. My power’s turned on. Starting right now I’ll be strong. I’ll play my fight song, and I don’t really care if nobody else believes, ‘cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me!”
Jessica does not let her diagnosis define her, instead she uses it to make a statement.
“I had the honour of working on a project with Sony award winning producer Rob Wells,” said Kristen. “Through him, I had the opportunity to attend a couple of Singer Songwriter circles. During those circles, I found myself moved to tears by the stories they shared.”
Kristen also discovered a similar message being conveyed at each of the circles she attended: even in difficult times, beauty can be found.
“I knew instantly that this message needed to be shared. My hope is that people will attend the Singer Songwriter Tell All and not only be inspired, but uplifted, by the evening.”
Funds raised at the September 10 event will support a number of initiatives within the Division of Rheumatology at SickKids, including: trainee research projects, new patient orientation resources for both parents and children to help them cope with and understand their diagnosis, and funding the participation of the Rheumatology team in the Paediatric Rheumatology – Care and Outcomes Improvement Network.
“For us, SickKids is a second home filled with family,” said Kristen. “Whether it is the doctors, nurses, volunteers or other patients and their families, they have all found a very special place in our heart. We are forever grateful for all the support we have received.”
If you would like to learn more about the Singer Songwriter Tell All, please visit the event website. Not able to attend but still want to support the Division of Rheumatology? You can give an online donation here.
