Sarah Brain Drain Update

Hello Brainiacs!! It’s been far too long between blogs! So much has been happening in this whirlwind that it life that time just goes by so fast. I thought I would write in today and give you all an update on what has been happening with the Brain Drain Project. The website blog has been quiet but the work however, has not. We have been running fundraisers, coming up with ideas for new fundraisers and helping out friends with their projects. With The Adventures Of Hydro Girl taking longer than expected I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in another comic project that is coming all the way from the UK. Daniel White has been inspired by his daughter Emily, who has Hydrocephalus and Spina-Bifida. Emily is in a wheelchair but does not let that stop her from anythink that she aspires to do and be. Inspired by his daughters strength and determination, Daniel, who is an amazing artist has sought out to create their own comic and hopefully television cartoon The DOA which stands for The Department Of Ability which Dan hopes will eradicate the stigma of children and adults living with a disability. As I have mentioned, I’ve been so fortunate to be included in to this project and was asked to write the DOA’s theme song. I did so happy. Daniel and Emily have been busy over the past few months promoting the comic through a series of radio and television interviews in hope of getting some media support and to try and acquire a backing for their cartoon. You can visit The DOA’s website and facebook page by clicking the links below.

https://www.facebook.com/The-Department-of-Ability-1463121457321060/time...

www.departmentofability.com

Dan and Emily promoting the comic and some original DOA artwork from Dan. Artwork is Copyright, Daniel White 2015

The Brain Drain Projects major fundraiser was launched in May this year. Musik Mayhem was first launched in 2011 as a music festival. It was quite successful but this year I wanted to approach the fundraiser a bit differently. I set out to ask a bunch of artists and bands for their help in producing a compilation album. I received an overwhelming response from people that wanted to donate their music and artwork to go towards their album. I ended up choosing 18 tracks for the compilation. Bands from Australia, New Zealand and America. Some of the bands have members that have hydrocephalus. Some of them have family members or friends that suffer from hydrocephalus. The artwork was designed and donated by Jenny Chen. An Australian artist who’s friend suffers from hydrocephalus. The album consists of a mixture of genres. The music is all family friendly and I am so proud and happy with how the final product turned out. We have now only limited numbers left as we received sponsorship from Kimberly-Clark. They are matching all proceeds from the sale of the product. Musik Mayhem albums have now made their way all across the world and it’s so exciting to see the fundraiser be so successful. We also ran an album launch at the end of May which raised us even more money. Bands donated their time yet again to come and perform for the cause and the venue donated space and sound for the artists. All proceeds going to the Musik Mayhem cause. I’m not sure of the fundraising efforts as it stands but I think we’ve reached the $6,000 mark. I will keep you all posted on the final tally. I honestly can not thank everyone that has made this fundraiser so successful enough. The bands that donated their music. Jenny for donating the artwork.The Mr Boogie Man Bar for donating the venue for the launch, Mark and Jax who did extra promotion and of course all the amazing people who have bought the album!! <3 Also albums are still available from our website with worldwide shipping. I’ll post the link below.

http://projectbraindrain.org/store/product/musik-mayhem-volume-one-compi...

A Look at the Musik Mayhem CD's and the happy recipients. Artwork is property of The Brain Drain Project, All music is owned by the individual artists.

Another fundraiser that has been running for the last few months is Healing With Hydro Hoodies. I took a little mantra I wrote back in 2011 and threw it on a tee. The hoodies proved to be quite popular so I now have two different designs to choose from. We’ve sold about 100 hoodies/tees so far and raised about $1,000. The money has been shared between the Hydro Angels Over America and The Hydrocephalus Support Association. Hoodies and tees are still available. I’ll post the link below.

http://teespring.com/hydrocephalusawarenessau#pid=212&cid=360 http://teespring.com/hydrocephalusawarenessau2015

A Look at our Hydro Healers with their hoodies!

Now, I wanted to run Mohawk Madness this year but have just run out of time to do so. I will be working a job at the end of this year that prohibits me putting an exuberant colour in my hair. I’m thinking I may run it from Jan/Feb next year. It will be summer so a haircut may be needed. I’m also looking at running it a bit differently this time as I have now shaved my head twice for MM people may be a bit bored with it, or just want me to keep my long hair. I’m thinking of running it in a way that you can donate to either shave or save the hair? What do you guys think? I’d love to get your opinion and feedback.

Well I think that’s about all. If I’ve forgotten anything I’ll let you know. Thank you all for being so patient with me. Much love and hydro hugs to you all. Please be well.

Refuse To Lose

Xx Sarah Brain Drain xx