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September 4, 2010

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www.MichaelJacksonTributePortrait.com

Saving Lives

Letter from the Editor
Dear MJTP Dot Members:

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Michael often spoke about the way in which he created music. I remember once he said, “If I sat here and played some chords and said I’m going to write the best song I’ve ever written, nothing ever happens; something in the heavens has to say look, this is the time, this is when it’s going to be laid on you and this is when I want you to have it.”  

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I can honestly say that it works the same way for me in writing about him. If I sit down to write an article or the newsletter without first having inspiration, nothing comes out.  I know when I’m supposed to write about something because certain things start to come into my awareness.  Such is the case with this week’s issue of the MJTP newsletter. It came together through several synchronistic events.       

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The Official Book of The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait, Fans In The Mirror, is available for purchase on the MJTP website. When I asked its editor, Valmai Owens, for a story to give from the book to highlight in this week’s newsletter, she gave me the story of a woman whose life was saved by Michael Jackson through the song You Are Not Alone.  

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Earlier that week, I had two different young women also reveal to me that Michael Jackson saved their life. I wrote about their stories in the spotlight article called You Are Not Alone: How Michael Jackson Saved Lives.

Then I learned about how Randy Jackson’s generosity helped save a young girl who was in the fight of her life with a rare disease called Vascular Malformation. MJTP dot members are invited to read about her story and send her a get well message.     

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It became obvious to me that this week’s newsletter was to be about saving lives. Their stories are very heartfelt and inspiring, and maybe one of them is meant to help someone in the world going through something similar.  

Finally, please read Valmai Owens’ article about the difference between Truth vs. Sensationalism. I found the rage inside of me returning as she recounted how badly Michael had been treated in the press throughout his life and particularly during his 2005 trial. It is an excellent article and a must read.  

Linda Higgins
Director of Community Development
Editor-In-Chief, MJTP Newsletter

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Fans In The Mirror Book

The following story is an excerpt from Fans In The Mirror, The Official Book of The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait.  This woman tells a poignant story about a time in her life where she found herself in a dark place and how Michael and the song You Are Not Alone brought her back into the light:

“One day my world came crashing down around me. The man that I had devoted myself to for seven years had found someone new! I was discarded like an old shoe. My sadness was unbearable. I did not-- could not - live with the pain in my heart.

I had my prescription of anxiety medication, my final good-bye letter, and I started to prepare myself for my final day. I made one more trip to the CD player, and put in a disc that a friend had given me years ago. I could barely make out the title for the tears. Then You Are Not Alone began to play.

I listened to the words and my head began to spin. I dropped to the floor. "You are not alone, for I am here with you....."  

In my moments of pure weakness, so close to finality, I heard these words. I heard Michael!

He is my angel, and in this light he will always be with me.

Michael, I thank you”

You can read her full story and many more touching stories like this, by purchasing your copy of Fans In The Mirror.  Get your copy here.

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Spotlight Article
You Are Not Alone: How Michael Jackson Saved Lives

By Linda Higgins - He was once asked how he would like to be remembered. Michael’s response was, "As a person who came and brought light to the world, some escapism; also as a voice for the voiceless children, because I love them. I’m living for the children. If it weren’t for the kids, I would throw in the towel."

The first young woman I spoke to, told me about her painful childhood. She grew up feeling alone and insecure as a result of adults who betrayed her. She said to me: "I am one of those voiceless children. I’m telling you, if he wasn’t there, I wouldn’t still be alive today."

The second young woman revealed that at age 13, she decided to commit suicide. She tells a chilling story of the day she decided to take her life….. Read about it here.

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Randy Jackson, Michael Jackson’s Brother, Donates $60,000 to Help Save a Young Girl’s Life

Upon hearing about the story of Treasure Dearsaw, a young girl who is in the fight of her life with a rare condition called Vascular Malformation, Randy Jackson felt compelled to reach out to her and her family to offer some help.

Vascular Malformation is disease in which lesions form on the tongue causing swelling and bleeding. If her tongue swells too much it could close her airway possibly causing her to choke to death.  Treasure had already undergone nine procedures and was requiring a tenth procedure that was going to cost $60,000 to perform.  Randy generously gave her family the funds so that Treasure could get the operation. Because of his gift, doctors were able to operate and save her life.     

In a statement given to x17online, Randy said “No child should be afraid that they’re going to die. It breaks my heart to see her suffering like that. Treasure’s a beautiful child, and it was God’s plan for me to help out. This is the least I can do. She deserves to be happy.” 

Help Send Get Well Messages to Treasure
MJTP partner, 3T Fans United, has teamed up with other fans sites, Jackson Source and We Love 3T, to create a giant get well card for Treasure.  They have asked us to invite our dot members to be part of the get well card.

Send Treasure a heartfelt message by clicking here.

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Truth vs. Sensationalism

By Valmai Owens - The casting of the shadow of doubt on Michael’s innocence, even before the jury had reached its verdict, was one of the most disgraceful episodes in journalistic history. There was no similarity at all between what was reported to the public by the media and the trial that was playing out in the courtroom. Instead, we read of the allegations, accusations and shocking innuendos written and aired by a biased press seemingly out of control. Nowhere during that time did we read of the unreliable and shady prosecution witnesses who deliberately gave false, misleading and incomplete testimony, and whose testimony disintegrated under the cross-examination of Michael’s defense team….Read More.

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Tribute Tidbits

MJ Birthday Celebrations & Tributes Paid
The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait honored Michael’s life and legacy on his special day in three memorable ways:

  1. The Wrapped in L.O.V.E. Patchwork Blankets, registries and cards were delivered to Katherine and the children by Michael's niece, Genevieve Jackson.  Thank you, Genevieve!
  2. The biggest MJ Birthday Card in the world was signed by many of Michael's fans worldwide.
  3. The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait was featured live at the Hollywood Premiere of The Way He Makes Them Feel on Michael's birthday.

Valerie, Director of Operations/Administration, will be spotlighting some other ways Michael’s birthday was celebrated this year. To read all about it, click here.


The MJTP Attends the Premiere of The Way He Makes Them Feel
David Ilan, along with the Tribute Portrait, were invited to be a featured attraction at the Hollywood Premiere of The Way He Makes Them Feel.Thousands were in attendance and hundreds were able to meet David and witness their dots being drawn.

Many of our dot members attended the screening. They expressed how excited they were to meet David and find their dot in the Portrait. David was just as thrilled to meet them! To see some of the great pictures of the event click here.


Urgent Funding Needed
Please Help By Making A Donation or Purchasing An Item From Tribute Store
The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait was created by the fans, for the fans. We want to ensure every Michael Jackson fan on the planet has the opportunity to be a dot in his Portrait. Help us keep it going strong by purchasing your favorite item in the store or making a donation.

At the request of many members, we have added new I’M A DOT items to the Tribute store, with 100 % of the proceeds going to keep Michael’s Tribute Portrait and this community going strong forever.  If you choose to make a donation, you will get an exclusive “FAN SPONSOR BADGE” added to your profile.  Thank you for your support. MJTP store 


Get Your Own Commemorative Dot Keepsake
Now that you have your dot in Michael’s Tribute Portrait, you can own your own keepsake dot, which will be drawn just for you to have and hold!  Michael’s Portrait Artist, David Ilan, has agreed to take part in an exciting fundraiser that will help keep this Tribute going strong.  Read more

Congratulations to "Ponyo" (Dot Number 11611) on winning a dot in Michael's heart. On Michael's birthday, Ponyo's name was randomly selected in the Dot Certificate Fundraiser Drawing.

Lots of L.O.V.E.
Linda Higgins
Editor-In-Chief
MJTP Newsletter
[email protected]
www.MichaelJacksonTributePortrait.com

 

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MJTP / MJ-Upbeat