-
Local Musician Farris Hallaj Releases First Album
Jan 30, 2024 Farris Hallaj brought down the house at the Loudoun County Social Collective’s Annual Christmas Tea in December with his rendition of an original song called See Me. Now that song along with a full slate of his original music has been compiled into an album called California Dream that he’ll release this month with the…
-
Loudoun Now: A Leesburg Family’s Journey with Traumatic Brain Injury: ‘The Miracle Child’ Releases Aug. 15
August 4, 2022 In 2001, Kelly and Michael Lang’s world turned upside down when their daughter, Olivia, experienced a traumatic brain injury after a devastating car crash. Two decades later, the Lang’s have published a memoir of their parenting journey. Their new book, “The Miracle Child: Traumatic Brain Injury and Me,” is slated for release…
-
People: ‘Outer Banks’ ‘ Chase Stokes Lands Lead Role in ‘Music Got Me Here’, Based on Inspirational Real-Life Story
June 9, 2022 Chase Stokes is headed to the big screen! The Outer Banks star, 29, has landed his first starring role in the new feature film Music Got Me Here, based on the inspiring real-life story of how determined high school music teacher Tom Sweitzer used music therapy to help beloved former student Forrest Allen (Stokes) recover…
-
The Challenge Magazine: Life After Brain Injury
December 1, 2021 The story of long time A Place To Be client Olivia and her parents are featured in this month’s issue of The Challenge Magazine. “If only I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard those three words. Of course, I am thrilled my daughter does not have scars or other physical…
-
People: 20-Year-Old with Autism Pens Viral Letter to His ‘Future Employer’: ‘Take a Chance on Me’
March 17, 2021 After deciding he’d like to pursue a career in animation, 20-year-old Ryan Lowry penned a heartfelt message to his “future employer” that described his talents and passions, while also noting that he has autism. Ryan, who recently celebrated his birthday, posted the handwritten letter to LinkedIn. In it, he described his gift of…
-
CNN: A man with autism asks future employers to ‘take a chance on me’ in a heartfelt, handwritten viral letter
March 16, 2021 A soon-to-be high school graduate started his job search in a unique way – he wrote a candid open letter and posted it on LinkedIn. Ryan Lowry has autism and wants future employers to understand that while he may learn in a different way, he is worth taking a chance on. “I realize that…
-
ABC-7 Washington: ‘Take a chance on me’: Young man with autism pens poignant cover letter that goes viral
February 8, 2021 It’s been a wondrous birthday for Ryan Lowry of Leesburg. Gifts to enjoy and a Zoom call with his Dad who’s traveling. Rob Lowry says to his son during the Zoom call Friday night, “Are you having a big day or what?” “Yes, I’m having a big day,” replies Ryan. His father…
-
Classical Voice: A New Documentary Reveals the Healing Power of Music
November 30, 2020 Is it a music miracle, or simply science? It is both, although there is nothing simple about Forrest Allen’s arduous emergence from a traumatic brain injury that had silenced his singing voice at age 18 and left him unable to utter a sound or walk for almost two years. Emmy and Peabody…