"I have heard many presentations over the years on individuals overcoming challenges due to disabilities, but nothing as raw, unfiltered, and articulate as the experiences the Thomas family shared. Tina’s backstory was also compelling and emotional that perhaps shaped her as a mom to Mui.” Capital Group
"The wound is the place where the Light enters you" ~ Rumi
Finding purpose in adversity
(Fun Fact: the "adversity" has nothing to do with Visible Difference)
Our Family’s Initiative Talk:
"a universal story of resilience, courage & hope"
3 Speakers 2 Stories 1 Message
“StandUp4Others”
Actions NOT Words
The through-line of our initiative is Mental Health
"The trigger for the initiative was the worsening mental health challenges faced by Mui and by Tina and Rog, as well as the impact of cyberbullying"
"The trigger for the initiative was the worsening mental health challenges faced by Mui and by Tina and Rog, as well as the impact of cyberbullying"
Confronted & challenged by adversity...
How did a 26 year old woman (the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor) driven to a mental health breakdown at 19 summon the courage, self-belief & resilience to fight so fiercely for an orphan girl society preferred to hide away.
Confronted & challenged by adversity...
WHAT happened as that orphan born with an unusual appearance and with extreme Attachment Disorder, was given the opportunity to grow into a woman, the 4th oldest survivor in the world with Harlequin Ichthyosis?
How do parents of children with special needs & the individuals cope?
How did a 26 year old woman (the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor) driven to a mental health breakdown at 19 summon the courage, self-belief & resilience to fight so fiercely for an orphan girl society preferred to hide away.
Confronted & challenged by adversity...
WHAT happened as that orphan born with an unusual appearance and with extreme Attachment Disorder, was given the opportunity to grow into a woman, the 4th oldest survivor in the world with Harlequin Ichthyosis?
How do parents of children with special needs & the individuals cope?
“The remarkable story of Mui Thomas might bring a tear to your eye.” The Guardian
A real life version of the young adult novel "Wonder". CNN
A real life version of the young adult novel "Wonder". CNN
To book a talk, please email us: [email protected]
Many people set the bar so low for activists and for individuals with special needs that they expect such people to share their experiences, time and message for no fee, as if these people should simply be grateful for the opportunity to be seen and heard.
Besides using our savings, we sort funding out as we go, so of course we charge a small fee.
Besides using our savings, we sort funding out as we go, so of course we charge a small fee.
Testimonials
Corporate:
Kevin Bowers, Partner at bowers.law
“Thank you to The Girl Behind The Face Initiative (aka Mui, Tina & Rog) for giving their inspiring presentation to the bowers.law team, every member of which (even if they are all lawyers) learned some valuable life lessons and about vital personal qualities, including the importance of resilience, empathy, kindness and support - all directed in the right way, of course! All organisations and corporates should sign-up for the presentation which can only enhance their internal culture and improve their understanding of how they should more effectively interact with the outside world - all of which should help this important message spread as far as possible...for the benefit of all of us.”
Tim Wannenmacher, Managing Director at UBS
“Thank you for sharing your inspiring story of courage in the face of discrimination. It was clear that your story resonated with everyone in the room. Many struggle against adversity but only a few have the strength to stand up and bring about change in a society, parts of which had let you down previously. It was also heartening to learn how you received the kindness of strangers which goes to show how little it sometimes takes to make a hugely positive impact. You are changing our community for the better. Everybody needs to listen to your story. (Audience 120+)”
NGO:
Deborah Crouch is the Chief Executive of The Samaritans:
“Listening to Rog, Tina and Mui talk of the experiences that have brought them to this point elicited enormous respect and admiration. Their story, describing the decisions they had to make and why, and how those around them reacted - and not always with encouragement - and why they wanted to share their past, was touching, sometimes amusing and sometimes painful. It has not been easy for them, but their strength and sincerity are incredible.”
School:
Ann Haydon, The Head of Harrow International School
“What a privilege to meet the totally awesome Thomas family.
What resilience, courage, love and positivity they radiated.
A strong message for all of us. Thank you for inspiring Harrow International School.”
Martina O’Connor (CE/CAS/TA Coordinator & teacher) Discovery College:
“Today, our students at our Year 7 and 8 assemblies had the extraordinary privilege of listening to the Thomas family share their powerful narrative through the 'Girl Behind the Face' initiative.
The family's presentation, woven with threads of resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to advocating for mental health and inclusivity, left an indelible mark on both students and faculty alike.
Tina, Rog, and Mui not only shared their personal journey with transparency and grace but also challenged each of us to embody their mantra of 'StandUp4Others' in our daily lives. It was more than just a talk; it was a heartfelt call to action to support and uplift those around us, demonstrating what it truly means to transform adversity into advocacy.
Their story, an intricate tapestry of struggle and strength, reminded us all that every individual has the capacity to make a significant impact.
We are deeply grateful to the Thomas family for their visit, which has surely sown seeds of empathy and empowerment within our school community.”
Kevin Bowers, Partner at bowers.law
“Thank you to The Girl Behind The Face Initiative (aka Mui, Tina & Rog) for giving their inspiring presentation to the bowers.law team, every member of which (even if they are all lawyers) learned some valuable life lessons and about vital personal qualities, including the importance of resilience, empathy, kindness and support - all directed in the right way, of course! All organisations and corporates should sign-up for the presentation which can only enhance their internal culture and improve their understanding of how they should more effectively interact with the outside world - all of which should help this important message spread as far as possible...for the benefit of all of us.”
Tim Wannenmacher, Managing Director at UBS
“Thank you for sharing your inspiring story of courage in the face of discrimination. It was clear that your story resonated with everyone in the room. Many struggle against adversity but only a few have the strength to stand up and bring about change in a society, parts of which had let you down previously. It was also heartening to learn how you received the kindness of strangers which goes to show how little it sometimes takes to make a hugely positive impact. You are changing our community for the better. Everybody needs to listen to your story. (Audience 120+)”
NGO:
Deborah Crouch is the Chief Executive of The Samaritans:
“Listening to Rog, Tina and Mui talk of the experiences that have brought them to this point elicited enormous respect and admiration. Their story, describing the decisions they had to make and why, and how those around them reacted - and not always with encouragement - and why they wanted to share their past, was touching, sometimes amusing and sometimes painful. It has not been easy for them, but their strength and sincerity are incredible.”
School:
Ann Haydon, The Head of Harrow International School
“What a privilege to meet the totally awesome Thomas family.
What resilience, courage, love and positivity they radiated.
A strong message for all of us. Thank you for inspiring Harrow International School.”
Martina O’Connor (CE/CAS/TA Coordinator & teacher) Discovery College:
“Today, our students at our Year 7 and 8 assemblies had the extraordinary privilege of listening to the Thomas family share their powerful narrative through the 'Girl Behind the Face' initiative.
The family's presentation, woven with threads of resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to advocating for mental health and inclusivity, left an indelible mark on both students and faculty alike.
Tina, Rog, and Mui not only shared their personal journey with transparency and grace but also challenged each of us to embody their mantra of 'StandUp4Others' in our daily lives. It was more than just a talk; it was a heartfelt call to action to support and uplift those around us, demonstrating what it truly means to transform adversity into advocacy.
Their story, an intricate tapestry of struggle and strength, reminded us all that every individual has the capacity to make a significant impact.
We are deeply grateful to the Thomas family for their visit, which has surely sown seeds of empathy and empowerment within our school community.”
“The kids, bless them, they’re so strong, they're so courageous... but the parents are the ones who are slowly dying." Johnny Depp
"Despite the hardship that Ms Thomas and her family have endured, she doesn't let her condition discourage her." Daily Mail
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