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Opinions of Friday, 21 April 2017

Columnist: Kofi Laign

Let me introduce you to Lynn Dadzie-Yeboah, a woman of substance!

Lynn Dadzie-Yeboah with others Lynn Dadzie-Yeboah with others

I got a call from Lynn from Andover, MA in the USA, asking me to be part of a fundraising Gala for Alexis Miranda Foundation, which has been shining a light on children with autism.

Nonchalantly I volunteered my services or so I thought because the conscience is a very powerful tool. Lynn and her hubby, Kwesi have a story to tell about their lives with their beautiful daughter Alexis: their trials and tribulations with having an autistic child and how that has impacted their lives and the lives of their friends and families.

Allow me to quote myself: “Heroes are not found in the tales of Odysseus and Paris. Heroes are those who live every day quietly, and carry the gift of empathy as their shield”.

Lynn is a Hero, therefore I think its fair for me to say that the biggest hero here is Alexis. She has managed to translate the fact that she matters, out of love, to her family and others, that she speaks a different language to us and it's okay, and all we need to do is learn this language.

The sapphire and ice gala itself was a warm and relaxed setting and I felt that I was in good company.

Present was the Honourable Minister of Education H.E Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh and His Deputy Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and my friend His Excellency Mike Oquaye Jnr who was studious in his efficiency to ensure good protocol.

The Honourable Minister assured us that Autism was on the agenda of the Government and we should soon see assessment centers rolling out across the nation. Headlining the entertainment arena was our very own Superstar and biggest export Stephanie Benson, who managed to single-handedly woo all the men in the house with her silky voice and her sultry ways bringing the house down with her amazing performances.

Efya was also gracious and generous enough to give us 2 great performances in acapella. The cultural troupe Nyame n'adom Dance Ensemble were equally present to ensure that throughout the night there were always cultural and ethnic beats of the drum enriching our palettes.

A very well put together event by the Alexis Miranda Foundation at the Labadi Beach hotel on April 15th, 2017. Autism is not a disease, it's a state of mind, so let's all make an effort to speak this language to enrich the lives of our current and future generations impacted by autism. ALEXIS YOU ARE OUR HERO.