Armonk 7th Grader Isabella Yallof to Host March 18th Multimedia Event to Fight Depression

Dancing, Singing, Artwork and Guest speakers on the Topic of Depression are Planned

Editor’s Note: This is a letter Isabella sent to members of Congregation B’nai Yisrael (CBY) in Armonk inviting participants.

Each day many of us live happy lives around friends and family who love and support us. We get to go to parties, hang out with friends and go to school or work. But what if you couldn’t do any of these things? What if you were constantly sad? What if you were too scared to leave the house?  Or worst of all, not even wanting to live? I was one of millions of people in the world who suffered from this. Do you know what it’s called? It’s called depression. Thankfully, I received the help I needed to win this battle.

In the past year, I’ve known of two very special people who lost their lives to this horrific disease. One of these people was Madison Holleran. Madison took her own life a year ago due to school-pressure situations. She was a very young girl, who was living the dream to become a superstar athlete at an Ivy League school. Her family was extremely supportive and she had many friends that loved her.

Another death happened a few months ago. Miles Applebaum also took his own life. Miles was a passionate and dedicated musician who had a unique talent for playing guitar. His studies during high school at Lagond Music School paved the way for a full scholarship in Jazz guitar at Boyer School of Music and Dance at Temple University.  Miles frequently played throughout venues in Westchester and Philadelphia. Miles was a gentle soul. He could light up a room with his contagious smile, big brown eyes and funny sense of humor. Miles’ life was cut too short but full with all he gave to others.

It is so sad to think about two young people’s lives which ended too soon. So, for my Mitzvah Project I am hosting an uplifting, multimedia event to raise awareness for depression and mental illness.   I am asking for your help! I need volunteers willing to perform and express how they feel through art.  Kids in grades 6th through 12th are encouraged to perform a 2-4 minute dance, song, read a poem, play music or display artwork.

Please email my mom at: alyallof@aol.com if you would like to participate or know someone who would like to participate.  Following are the details of my event:

When: Wednesday, March 18, 4:30-6 p.m..

What: Dancing, singing, artwork and guest speakers on the topic of depression

Who: Students in  Grades 6-12

Where: CBY in Armonk/ Social Hall

* Pizza and dessert will be served following the performances

Our guest speakers include:

Dr. Jennifer Powell-Lunder: a clinical psychologist specializing in work with tweens, teens, young adults, and their families. She is co-author of the book, “Teenage as a Second Language” (Adams Media 2010), and the creator of www.itsatweenslife.com and co-creator of www.talkingteenage.com.   Dr. Powell-Lunder is a published researcher, writer, accomplished speaker and consultant on tween, teen and young adult issues. She is a contributor to Parenting Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Huffington Post, Huffington Post Live, among many others.   She was profiled in Westchester Magazine’s January 2012 feature on ‘People to Watch.’

CBY’s Caring Committee: caring about and caring for our fellow human beings is a passion as well as a mitzvah. Our Caring and Social Action Committee provides direction and resources for people in need.  Their work encompasses the community here in Armonk, as well as our wider Westchester community and throughout the world.

Shari Applebaum: Shari will speak from personal experience and a mom’s perspective.

I sincerely hope you’ll join us for what is sure to be a special afternoon,

Isabella Yallof