Sunday, June 3, 2012

Mia: An extraordinary young lady.

A few weeks back, my friend told me "Keep Friday 25th May free, we're going to an amazing evening in the National Convention Centre".
Amazing just about describes it...

Mia was born in Hunan province in China.
In her own words: "I came to live with my Irish family in March of 2002. I live with my dad Clem, my Mom Sally, my sister Meghan, my two brothers Jordan and Brett and my dog Harry.
When I was tiny in China, I had an accident where I was very badly burned. I needed a lot of treatment and operations so I have been going to Crumlin Children's Hospital ever since I arrived in Ireland." Isn't she just beautiful?

Mia had been doing fashion sketches to pass the time in hospital

and her friend sent some to John Rocha, designer. He was very impressed and he and some other Irish designers decided to make up some of Mia's designs.

Together with many others in the fashion/showbiz world, and some family friends, they organised this night "Thank you Crumlin, love Mia".

It was the best night's entertainment I've had in a long time.
Mia's designs were stunning, and she had loads of them! Some were modelled by family and friends, some by professional models. I really hope that some store decides to make them for sale, because I would love to buy some! Here she is being interviewed by a TV3 presenter, and her outfit is one of her own designs. I loved it!

Mia was recovering from her latest round of surgery, so she was on crutches, but that did not dampen her spirits at all. She smiled from ear to ear all night, gave loads of interviews, and just enjoyed herself.
There was other entertainment, The Nualas (below) performed (they were hilarious!)

and Brian Kennedy too. Here he is interviewing Mia just before he sang.

I was completely bowled over by Mia. She was so natural, so unassuming, she even said it was easy to do the designs, "it only takes about 4 minutes"!! She turned a tragic event around, and has now brought so much joy into so many lives, and will continue to do so with the funds raised to refurbish the orthapaedic unit in Crumlin. Wow! Inspirational!

30 comments:

  1. I love what she's wearing. And the bands of color look like ribbons tying up pretty packages of fashion. What a lovely thing those designers did for her. Yes, I hope she gets some designs made for sale, too. Could one buy the ones that were made for the show?

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    1. Stephanie, I don't think the designs from that night are available for sale, but I'll be watching out for some of Mia's designs to come on sale, I think there will be a follow-up. They are indeed like ribbons!

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  2. Replies
    1. Thanks Kerri, I enjoyed writing it! Mia is amazing!

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  3. Thank you for writing about Mia. She is a very brave but talented young lady.
    You have to admire her, don't you?
    Maggie X

    Nuts in May

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    Replies
    1. Maggie, absolutely, I admire her. I loved writing this post!

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  4. Amazing girl! Sounds like she will do really well in her life, with a great combination of talent and personality.

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    1. Jenny, she has certainly done well in overcoming a terrible beginning, hasn't she?

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  5. What a remarkably heartwarming story. Thank you for sharing this.

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  6. Replies
    1. It was, Sara, she was fantastic and apparently she inspired all the other people who agreed to help.

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  7. What a wonderful story, thanks so much for sharing, Mimi!

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    1. It was a wonderful evening, Ciara, I had to share it. Mia made a big impact on me.

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  8. She does sound like an extraordinary young woman. Lucky you for getting to share in a bit of it.

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    1. Robin, I do feel very lucky to have been there. It was really uplifting and inspirational.

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  9. WOW, An inspiration indeed!!! What an incredible story about an amazing young woman!! To think how her life could have be so very different..... Mia had made the most of every moment and has not let anything hold her back from reaching her dreams!!!

    So thankful you shared her story and this event with us!!!
    Hope all is well!!! We are at Part 1 of Nick's graduation ceremony last night when you emailed. We have a special graduation Mass on Saturday morning and then he is done:)

    Have a wonderful day Mimi~

    xoxoxo,

    Lisa

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    1. Glad you enjoyed this Lisa, I think Mia is amazing!
      Hope all went well with Nick's Grad Mass.

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  10. Wow. She is beautiful, talented and quite an inspiration! What a great post!

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    1. Pam, you put it well. Mia is all of those things, and yet she's still a normal, natural 11 Y/O. And she was so HAPPY! You'd never guess how much pain she has been through in her short life.

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  11. All the best to her!
    How inspiring that a known designer saw such promise in her work and help showcase it is wonderful!
    Thanks for sharing Mia's story Mimi!

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    1. Carletta, I agree, I really admire John Rocha and Louise Kennedy for doing this. It is a lovely, heartwarming story that shows it's not all doom and gloom here!!

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  12. That is sensational! Good for her! What a wonderful night and a lovely idea! :) What an inspiring little girl.

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    1. Amy, she really struck a chord in my heart. She was lovely! I feel we'll be hearing more of Mia!

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  13. Yes, she is beautiful. But it is her inner beauty that is most striking! WOW! What a story she has. I am anxious to hear more and wish her soooo much success :)! YAY!!!!

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    1. Amy, I totally agree with you, it is her inner beauty that shines through. I'm anxious to see her next move too! Will keep you posted!

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  14. Wonderful. What a night to remember - for everyone!

    Have a good week, Mimi. :)

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  15. Beautiful post, beautiful girl. So inspiring!

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