Sophia Salveson is a 19-year-old from Nashville, Tennessee. She suffered a massive stroke on March 1, 2012 that initially left her with little-to-no movement on the right side of her body and major damage to the speech and comprehension center of her brain.
Sophie had her skull rebuilt on June 6 and her improvement and recovery will continue as so many of us are inspired and encouraged by the optimism and determination of Sophie and her family. Watch a video tribute to Sophie by Nathan DiGesare.
Nashville came together to honor Sophie and proved once again it IS INDEED Music City, USA, last night at an amazing benefit concert for "Sophie Shines". In two hours, we were treated to performances by Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Mandisa, Melinda Doolittle, Larry Carlton, the Tim Akers and the Smoking Section band (some of the top recording and live musicians and singers in the world), Mike Eldred (Broadway artist), Lisa Cochran (top studio singer), Michael Londra (renowned Irish tenor) and a handful of other artists who were nothing less than AWESOME! Not only are they talented, they're overwhelmingly generous with their time and talent, too. Hats off to the Sophie Shines event committee!
Tim Akers and the Smoking Section |
Vince Gill |
Sophie and friend dance to "Shining Star" |