From the moment I was born, I have done things my way. “Strong-willed”, my parents call me. And that's how I am now, a spirited 9 year-old, and I say it's a good thing. I don't compare myself to others. I walk to the rhythm of my own music. It's unique, right? But it also has a few drawbacks. When I started pre-school, I never felt the pressure to do as well as my classmates. While everyone was busy recognizing letters and numbers, even memorizing them, I was more interested in playing around and making friends. It was difficult for me to understand what they were learning, specially at the pace they were doing it at.  Although I wasn't worried, my parents and teachers sensed that something was not quite right. At 6 years old I was diagnosed with double deficit dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and a working memory problem. Seems like I had hit the jackpot!

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After coming to terms with my condition, my parents took action. They enrolled me in a new school: McGlannan School in Miami. This is a great institution for kids who need to be taught differently. After only a few months there, I was reading at grade level. Teachers at McGlannan talk my language, and my friends are just like me. We understand each other.

 

McGlannan has been great for me, but not all kids with Dyslexia can afford it, and the public school system is not equipped to provide the same kind of support to their Dyslexic students. Part of the treatment to successfully overcome Dyslexia includes specially trained teachers and one-on-one help. This, of course, costs money. Becoming aware of this problem, my mom and I wanted to help the Frances McGlannan Foundation. The Foundation raises funds for tuition assistance for kids who cannot afford to attend specialized schools for Dyslexia.

 

My mom, who runs a letterpress printing company, has designed 4 different greeting cards featuring: me, Peter! and my sister Gigi. It has my unique writing style and includes information on Dyslexia.  And, because I have a sweet-tooth, we asked Cacao Art Chocolates to contribute with small bags of chocolate letters. The proceeds from the sale of both the greeting cards and the bags of chocolate letters go to the Foundation.

 

Hopefully, these products will help raise awareness and funds for others with Dyslexia. It's an easy and fun way to help!