Growing up with undiagnosed autism and mental illness, the world often felt
overwhelming, chaotic, unpredictable, and isolating. I struggled socially, but with stories, I found healing and connection. For as long as I can remember, stories were more than entertainment- they were how I learned to navigate the world and connect with others.

 

After a breakdown in 2015, I began regressing in skills, frequently went nonverbal, and experienced a severe decline in my mental health. It wasn’t until I found the stories of families with children battling illness that I found hope. Their pain resonated with me, and their resilience, love, and ability to experience joy inspired me to keep fighting. They taught me how to cope and embrace life even in the face of adversity.

 

Wanting to express to these families what I saw in them but struggling to find the words, I turned to music as a way to share what I saw and found a new voice. This journey helped me realize the power of our stories, especially when conveyed through the universal language of music.

 

These experiences inspired the Here’s Hope Project. Although all of our stories are different, we are connected through the emotions and struggles that underlie them. When we connect with that, we can see ourselves in others. By recognizing the strength and beauty in these families, we can find that same resilience and beauty within ourselves and feel the power of human connection.