oh and speaking of Sara...she's my inspiration for this post

Pittsburgh Pirates to Host Teenage Musical Artist Without a Voice:
Technology Brings the Gift of Speech to a Voiceless Teen with a Gifted Mind.

Who:
Sara Pyszka, the 19-year old singer/composer from Pittsburgh, PA who does not have the use of her natural voice due to cerebral palsy. Sara speaks with the aid of a DynaVox speech generator and moves with a motorized wheelchair.

What:
Following more than two years in the public eye: First singing her own songs at numerous public events in the Pittsburgh area, under the tutelage of former Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra conductor, Lucas Richman; then singing the Star Spangled Banner before 17,000 Cleveland Indians fans last July; leading the Republican National Convention in the Pledge of Allegiance in September; dancing in her wheelchair at the Presidential Inaugural Ball; and graduating from high school last month, Sara will sing the National Anthem at the Pirates/Astros double header on July 19.

When:
Tuesday July 19, 2005 - 4:30PM

Where:
PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Why:
Sara has become an inspiration for countless people, both with disabilities and without. Her mother, Cindy, says, “If everybody had one-tenth of Sara’s determination, the world would be a better place.”

How:
Sara composes on her DynaVox speech generator which she controls by means of a switch on her wheelchair's headrest. She can input notes, time signatures, tempi, lyrics, volume, intonation and virtually all other musical elements. Once she has composed or styled a piece, her DynaVox synthesizes Sara's chosen voice and outputs the song electronically.


I want to go to the game with her but I'm 1000 miles away and have no money for a plane ticket :(

I'm a horrible friend.