Ava Brandt's Fundraiser
Off The Mask 2024: Embrace Your True Self with NAMI-NYS
Join me and help make a difference,your contribution helps us get one step closer to our goal of creating a world where mental health is valued and accessible for everyone. Make a meaningful impact by donating today!
Kimberly Kelsey
I donated in support of this campaign.
$50
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Jane Imbesi
"We are so proud of you!"
$50
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Lisa Perrone
"Ava Brandt- You are doing great work! "
$25
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Mike and Amy Imbesi
"We love you Ava! We are very proud of you"
$50
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Jenifer Lemery
"You go, girl! Proud of you! 🏻"
$25
A supporter of Ava Brandt
"Thank you to all who donated to Ava’s Lemonade Stand! "
$110
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Sandy Imbesi
"So proud of you Ava!"
$25
A supporter of Ava Brandt
"My mother and brother suffered from anxiety. It's better to have it openly known and addressed. "
$25
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Maria Hoffman
"So proud of you Ava!"
$50
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Vanessa Arnold
"So proud of you, Ava! Keep shining your light bright ✨💞"
$25
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Christina Mendelsohn
"You got this girl! "
$25
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stacey walz
"I’m so proud of you Ava!!"
$25
My name is Ava Brandt. I am 9 years old and in 4th grade. I enjoy dancing, art, lacrosse and basketball. At school I enjoy learning about math and science, and participate in our Young Scholars program. I love to read all sorts of books! This is my first year being a part of Off the Mask. I'm excited to join this event to help spread awareness on mental illness and change stigmas that can surround anxiety and mental health.
At the young age of 5, I began to show signs of anxiety. My parents began looking for ways to help me navigate day to day situations that my peers were able to do effortlessly that I could not. This made for long, challenging and emotional days, many ending in tears. This year I received an official diagnosis of anxiety disorder. Anxiety will always be a part of my life, but with continued support and awareness brought to this cause, I know I will be ok and want others to know they will be too.
Due to my anxiety, I have always been very in tune with my emotions. My compassion for others is so great that I often will make the choice to do something that may make others happy, even if it doesn’t make me happy. This can be seen anywhere from interactions with my siblings, friends at school or the desire to help total strangers. Being given the opportunity to be an Off The Mask Model is important to me to show that I am not defined by my anxiety. Anxiety is just a small part of who I am.