Dasi Sessel, a tenth-grader from Orange, Connecticut, never considered age as a barrier to changing the world—as soon as she began pursuing her passion for singing in 2009, she knew she wanted to use her talent to help others. Finding a cure to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis has been on her mind ever since one of her sisters was diagnosed. This became her passion.
The as-of-yet incurable Crohn’s disease is a painful affliction of the digestive system highly prevalent among Ashkenazic Jews, who are almost five times as likely to contract Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Suffering patients find that almost every aspect of their lives is impacted, and flare-ups happen fiercely and without warning.
“Being a parent of a young child with a chronic illness was overwhelming, and navigating the health-care system was impossible. Communicating with my daughter’s school became a challenge,” says Dasi’s mother, Debbie Sessel. “Teachers didn’t understand how important sleep was to the healing process, and how to adjust the workload so that my daughter could continue with her classes in a stress-free way. Patients with these types of diseases seem to hold all of their stress in their gut, so reducing the stress of missed days became an ongoing challenge.”
But from the turmoil of chronic illness emerged a firm resolve in the heart of Dasi Sessel, who now attends Rohr Bais Chaya Academy in Coral Springs, Florida. “I decided back then that I wanted to do whatever I could to find a cure for this terrible disease,” she explains.
With this unique combination of passion and purpose, the UNITE FOR THE CURE Benefit Ladies’ Night Out concert was born. “We’ve always wanted to organize a fundraiser in support of finding a cure. When the idea of a benefit concert was suggested, Dasi was so enthusiastic and the idea just took off,” says Debbie Sessel, event coordinator and proud mom.
The event promises significant impact: two matching donors have each pledged $5,000, which means the funds raised by Dasi’s concert could well exceed her $20,000 goal. All proceeds from the concert will benefit The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, the largest non-profit organization dedicated to finding cures for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD).
Performances will be given by DASI, who showcases a sweet, pure voice, and Riv Eilfort, a songwriter and guitarist who has moved audiences across the nation with her soulful lyrics.
A key highlight of the evening will be inspirational and spiritual insights from Kabbalah Coach Shimona Tzukernik, who guides individuals and corporations in spirituality-based personal transformation.
The night will also include a tribute to their family’s pediatric gastroenterologist, Dr. Sandra Escalera, of North Haven, Connecticut, for her commitment and devotion to her patients, and the special connection she has with the Sessel family.
The Bijou Theater in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is the perfect venue. The intimate, restored cabaret playhouse will allow for the audience to feel a connection to the performers and speakers, and bring the reality of living with chronic diseases to the forefront of their minds.
Tickets to this Ladies’ Night Out tribute and concert will include wine and refreshments.
“Too many people we know have faced the fear, the unknown, and the unpredictable consequences of Crohn’s and colitis,” Debbie Sessel says in a fund-raising appeal. “Awareness is so important—there are many moms who have contacted me for advice, guidance, and support as they go through the same experience we did. Knowing that so many others share these challenges is comforting.”
Dasi is excited for this event, which she hopes will become an annual gathering. It will be held on Tuesday, June 10, at 7:00pm. “Let’s continue to join together knowing that yes, we can make a difference, and finding a cure would be even better!” she declares confidently.
For more information, to purchase tickets or make a donation, visit DASI’s website, www.dasisessel.com
go dassssssssssssiiiiiiii u rock
ur so awesome
the only one we know in the family is raizy she worked for us one Pesach in 2008 and I can tell you she stood out as being a great girl,we had many good counselor that year but she stood out from all of them.may God help you in every way amen
You have done amazing things already and this is definitely amazing. I know you’ll go far with your talents and your consideration for others. Best of luck! -Chaya Schreiber
Crohn’s and colitis are surely affected by diet but are not only controlled by diet. Especially when the body is in a major flare and the immune system is not able to control the body attacking itself. Hospitalization and major drugs become the patient’s lifeline. There are many causes and ailments that need attention. None should be more important than another. We should have a world where all are free from disease and pain and suffering NOW!!!
Crohns can be controlled by diet, please do a concert for special needs, that would be sooooooo sincere .
Can you do a concert for Autism, that would be great, so many jewish children really need funding for jewish education, please help jewish children with autism
we’re cheering for you
Kol Hakovod!
for clarifying this.
I was quite distressed to see this described as a life threatening situation or extremely life altering.
It’s truly unfair to do so.
As stated there are very many afflicted with this – yet with proper diet MOST are living healthy happy lives. To put them in a category of “ill” is not at all proper. So thanks to you #9 and 10 for clearing this up.
This has been known to cure in as little as 2 years. Specific Carbohydrate Diet. A Taste of Wellness is a terrific kosher cookbook! (Stunning photo for each recipe) My adult son has been on it for 10 months now.
We have a Frum Support Group On Instagram for all those suffering with crohns or ibs. Its called our_life_with_crohns. Looking forward to hearing from all of you. Everyone should feel good!
This is a great cause. As someone who suffers from ulcerative colitis, I’m glad more awareness is being raised in our community, considering it is quite prevalent among Ashkenazi Jews. However, I’d just like to point out that the CCFA isn’t concerned with finding a cure for IBD, but rather treatments. They are largely sponsored by large drug companies, so the connection is clear.
We love you Raizy, you are one strong cookie. Xoxox
Dasi, we are so proud of you and your family. You are a special role model for the rest of us to emulate. The Engels
You are setting a beautiful example. So proud of you !
Dassi has such a beautiful vibe and a beautiful presence. she charms and stuns everyone who gets to hear her magnificent voice.
Go Dasi! Saw this and can’t wait to see you live!:)
Way to do, Dasi. This is amazing. For those who have not heard her sing–she is incredible. This is such a beautiful and important thing you are doing for Raizy as well as the Jewish community as a whole. Thank you, Dasi (and Debbie, too, b/c I know you are doing a TON to get this going).
–Nurse Ellen from JGR
So proud of u dassi! Luv the cohens
Love you!!!
wow!! dassi im sooo pround of you!! you are so talented and youre using your tallent just the way hashem wants!! kol hakavod!! this should be the key to find the cure!! amen!
hatzlacha!!
JGR member
go dasiii!!!!ur awsome
Dassi is the awesomest person ever!!.Everyone should know that 🙂
go dasi sessel! prettiest voice ever!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
She has an amazing voice and has a wonderful personality. This is the place to be! I know i’m coming for sure.
good luck with the event, thank you for the good work.
such a big chesed!
Go dasi!! Sucha cool and talented girl