"Disabled children are equally entitled to an exciting and brilliant future." Nelson Mandela

I have been writing inspirational/educational posts for several years, and this is the first time I am writing about a program called SUPERHEROES BELIEVE IN MIRACLES, a group that not only makes people aware of children with disabilities, but also supports the children by sending birthday gifts to 180 children per month all around the country.  The goal these gifts is to help those children facing medical challenges from autism to cancer to "feel like superheroes."  Each child receives a birthday present of a specific mask of a superhero, along with age appropriate gifts, according to the personal interests of each child. 

Needless to say, this task requires a herculean effort, great organization, lots of volunteers, and fundraising.  Founder Amy Hasson Faltot (my niece through marriage) is the founder.  She was inspired when her son had a lengthy stay at Children's Hospital in 2013, and she was inspired by the children who were so strong, as they faced their particular medical challenges with smiles and humor, prompting the moniker "superheroes."  .Amy approached the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with an idea of a calendar of the children "superheroes", and they worked together on a photo shoot of the kids, which is amazing!  The Art Institute, through their CARE program, even designed a logo for the charity. You can see Amy's interview and a clip of the photo shoot at this link. 

https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/video/program/750/3992943-special-calendar-to-support-superheroes-believe-in-miracles/ 

Calendar sales will go toward birthday gifts for the thousands of children who are involved in the program.  The cost of the calendar is just $10, and you can order your calendar at their website. You can also get involved as a volunteer.  Please check out the website for information about this inspirational program.  https://www.superheroesbelieveinmiracles.com/

At this time of year, so many charities are asking for donations.  I have seen the difference this charity makes in the lives of kids facing major challenges, and the confidence and spiritual lift these children receive is overwhelming.  

If you enjoyed the video and like their mission, I hope you will consider a donation or  the purchase of a calendar for your own personal inspiration from some exceptional children.

SUPERHEROES BELIEVE IN MIRACLES personifies the quote by Nelson Mandela that
"Disabled children are equally entitled to an exciting and brilliant future."

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom. www.Fieldtripzoom.com  GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone.Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.

Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

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