Help with Emergency Expenses for Dianne Mower

Hello friends,

As many of you know, Dianne Mower is an amazing jazz singer and music educator based in Hartford, CT. To me, she's more than that: she is my mentor, my friend, and my chosen family. And she is singly the most generous woman I know.

For example, when I was in high school, she realized that I'd never been to a worldwide jazz festival. Since I was planning a career as a jazz vocalist she could not let this stand. She bought us plane tickets, and we traveled to California for the 2002 Monterey Jazz Festival. I remember how she rented a convertible and drove me up the beautiful coastline, brought me window-shopping at the most beautiful stores I'd ever seen, bought me a new dress to wear, and introduced me to jazz legends backstage. We enjoyed days of incredible music, and I was blown away by her generosity.

When people say "she'd give you the shirt off her back," it's generally hyperbole. But not so with Dianne. For the past 22 years, I have witnessed her give whatever was humanly possible to her family, friends, students and even acquaintances. Gifts include earrings, gorgeous clothes, homemade meals and treats for those in need and much more.

As a jazz musician and teacher, finances can be a challenge, but Dianne has made it work! She started her professional career at 17, making vocal recordings in the Greater New Haven area. 2023 also marks 30 years of teaching vocal music at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts.

Dianne has always prided herself on being independent. But this summer, she had an accident and broke her ankle. The break required surgery, physical therapy and a lot of healing time. The accident has had far-reaching financial consequences that her medical insurance does not cover. Funds received will be used to help with these expenses including hospital bills, long-term rehabilitation facility stays, physical-therapy home services and first-floor living accommodations.

Dianne is back at work, but she's hurting. Please know, she does not want to ask for help. (I barely got this approved!) As an independent woman and artist, it's not her nature. And, as I mentioned, she likes to be on the giving side! But her emergency fund is used up, and it's proven impossible to get beyond this financial burden.

If you are able, please consider helping Dianne with a financial gift. If not, please send notes of encouragement and/or prayers.

Sincerely,

Atla DeChamplain