Why Charity Work Matters to Me

Charity Work is something that I have been interested in for quite some time. My interest reached a new level after discovering that many people I knew were in the Heroes Alliance. The Heroes Alliance is a nationwide non-profit organization of  volunteers who give back to the community by making super hero appearances at child-related charities and events. I had seen many wonderful photos and spoke to the charity workers about their mission and how they used their skills in costuming to brighten a childs day. They became real life heroes to children (and their families) who desperately needed hope and I wanted to become a part of it.



I wanted to get involved for many reasons. First and foremost, I know what its like for your life to suddenly change. In 1999 I went from able -bodied teenager to being in a wheelchair in a blink of an eye. One moment I was carefree and the next, I was bleeding and broken, trapped in a car. Words cannot describe how shattering it is for your life to suddenly change. You experience shock, depression, anger, exhaustion, hopelessness and a whole other truck load of emotions. And then theres your family and what they are experiencing. It is not easy. The world goes dark and during these times it is so important to let any amount of love and light in. It does make a difference. It can help you heal. I was so happy after months of being in the hospital, when I was finally taken to the art room to do a craft project. That memory stands out. That happy moment. If Superman or Wonder Woman came to visit me, I can tell you right now that would have made all the difference in the world.

When I got the process moving on creating and running a Heroes Alliance branch in Pennsylvania, the unthinkable happened. My grandmother had fallen ill. My beautiful green-eyed grandmother was always there for her family. If someone needed a place to sleep, she offered her couch. If they needed a meal, she cooked for them. She swept the sidewalk of her neighborhood and always loved telling people that God loved them. She was a good, loving woman and sadly in late 2013, I had to gather up the strength to say good-bye to her on her deathbed. That was the hardest thing I have ever done. Emotionally and mentally I was a mess and then my body shut down. I broke out in hives that spread throughout my body and came down with a cold. I was in bed and on medication for days and yet, I did not want to stop the process on creating a Heroes Alliance branch. Although I was terribly sick, I felt my grandmothers strength with me and knew proceeding with this would be the best way to honor her memory.

My grandmother and my accident is why charity work matters to me. I know what its like for your life to change and I know what its like to lose someone you love. My grandmothers kindness and generosity inspired me to help others like she once did.


I cant speak highly enough about the Heroes Alliance organization. It truly is a beautiful concept to give back and an added bonus that we are dressed as super heroes. Everyone has a big heart and they are just as passionate as you are to make the world a better place. We are making a difference and spreading love, support and positivity.  And everyone within the organization supports one another in their mission 110% all throughout the United States. We all have a story on why super hero charity work means so much to us. Now you know mine.

Dedicated to Virginia
I love you

                                                             

                 
                                                   

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The Worst Cosplay Questions I Have Been Asked

Over the course of 8 years I have been interviewed by many websites regarding costuming and other hobbies that I enjoy. During this time I have been asked the absolute worst questions that are rude, invasive to my privacy or flat out dumb. I dont understand how anyone (mostly men) think its appropriate to speak to a woman like this but then again, thats the problem isnt it? These guys forget that I am a woman. I am a person. Im someones daughter, sister, aunt and girlfriend. Would you ask your daughter these questions to post on the world wide web? Probably not particularly when most of these questions are resulting in information that will bring a crazed fan boy right to your front door step. Thanks for trying to risk my safety, pal. Below are examples of the worst questions I have ever been asked.

#1. My Phone Number: This is always a nice excuse "Can I have your phone number so I can do an over the phone interview with you? Its easier."  Actually, no its not. I use to write for a comic website and conducted two over the phone interviews with artists and trust me when I say, its a bitch playing back the audio and typing it up word for word. Why do these guys think its appropriate to ask for my number? Youre a stranger. Why the hell would I give you my number so you can abuse it later? Nice try. Just email me the damn questions.

#2. My weight: Its never okay to ask someone how much they weigh. Ever. And how is that relevant to cosplay?

#3. Photo of me without makeup: Why the hell do you want to see what I look like when I wake up in the morning? I get asking for a "normal" photo but without makeup? Really? For what?!

#4. Can I take you out for dinner sometime? Wait; what?!

#5. Family questions: What does my family have to do with cosplay? Why do you want to know how they reacted to me wanting to dress as a superhero? Perhaps you think theres a story there? Maybe you think they tried to ship me off to the Betty Ford Clinic cause they thought I had a "problem"?

#6. Can you give me your full name?: Obviously Sherlock, "Cosplay" isnt my last name but I think its also obvious that if Im using a stage name, its because I dont want my full legal name out there. No you may not have my full legal name. Its none of your business.

#7. Can you tell me your city and state?: This is usually the follow up to the "Can you give me your full name?" question and is a great stalker tactic. If they have your full legal name and city and state, all they have to do is jump on Goggle and BAM! They can find out where you live. And Im sure my boyfriend will be more than happy to make street meat out of you while I call the cops. Seriously, have a little respect. I always answer with "The Philadelphia area" which is true and vague enough because there are dozens of townships in the area but you dont need to know which one I live in.

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