FUNDRAISER, FUN & FAMILY 4-9-17

I spoke at a fundraiser, "Comedy For A Cause", for Easter Seals of Mass.

Easter Seals is an organization that helps children and adults with disabilities in all facets of  their lives.

My mother and my niece accompanied me to the fundraiser and we stayed overnight in a hotel room provided for us by Jim and Meredith Dennison, who are members of the Board of Directors of Easter Seals of Massachusetts.

This was a time to tell how the services I received from Easter Seals changed my life.

It was also a family time where my mother, my niece and myself enjoyed time with each other in the hotel near to where this special function was held. This is the speech I prepared and recited at the fundraiser for Easter Seals, "Comedy For A Cause".

               Evelyn

Good Evening!  

I would like to thank Jim Dennison, Paul Medeiros and Tara Esperitu for making this night possible.

I would, also, like to thank Easter Seals for the worlds this organization have opened up to me.

Nearly 8 years ago, I was given a computer and printer by the Assistive Technology Program of Easter Seals.

Being isolated from the world and confined to a wheelchair most of the time because of medical issues, I was totally technology illiterate.   

Skeptical about the computer, at first, I was frightened by the powers of the internet.

Tara, technology specialist at Easter Seals, calmed my fears, while also giving me a firm foundation in computer skills.

Tara was knowledgeable, not only about computers, but, also, patient with me as I, with her guidance, had begun to understand computers and how to use social media safely.

Tara and I established a blog, an email account and a Facebook account together.

My friends, my isolation expediently was dissolving!

My blog: ME, As I Go Through This Zany, Marvelous, Difficult Experience called “LIFE”, at this point, has over 300, 000 views and at least 52 followers.

Through my internet journal, I tell my story of how, with the help of God and my firm and strong faith, I persevere through the many, acute health crisis that have become almost routine to me. 

Many people, from around the world, have commented on how I am an inspiration to them.

Writing has always been an outlet and a passion for me.

I have been writing poetry and stories since I could hold a pencil.

My second passion is photography, which I also use extensively in my blog and other social media sites.

I am interacting more with others, including family whom I don’t see much because of distance, time, health and other issues.

I blog, email, use Facebook, Twitter, Linked-In, Flickr, Instagram and other forms of social media. 

I also browse the web safely, traveling to websites that interest me, while, also, researching my own interests.   

My college friends found me through Facebook and even visit me from Florida consistently.

I love the realization that I’m reaching thousands of people, by telling of my life, through my writings and the photographs that I shoot and edit.

Easter Seals has not only saved my mind but, also, (and I strongly believe this), has saved my life.

I have purpose and power over my life now!

I owe this to Easter Seals.

With sincerity and gracious gratitude:

“Thank You!”

                   Evelyn Pinto

                   April 8, 2017