WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — This week’s Wednesday’s Warrior is a self-described hippy who grew up loving music and loves helping others.
When Chera Simpson of Waterbury learned about a program that provides music lessons for free to kids after News 8 featured the nonprofit in a previous Wednesday’s Warriors segment, she knew how she wanted to spend her final act of kindness.
We introduced you to the Alexander Jordan Jamieson (AJJ) Foundation two months ago.
“Music was definitely an escape for him from his battles with depression,” said William Jamieson Jr. “I lost my little brother in 2019 to suicide.”
In the wake of such tragedy, Jamieson created the foundation in honor of his little brother, Alexander.
“He was really big into music.”
When Jamieson shared AJJ Foundation’s mission on News 8, “Our organization focuses on providing instruments to kids, then we get them with an instructor so that they can learn lessons,” it caught the attention of Simpson.
“And I’m like, wait a minute, his mission is very similar, and I have instruments but not teachers,” Simpson said. “So I reached out, and he immediately responded.”
Her goal has been to create a music program for students at the Children’s Community School in the Brass City.
“I didn’t think I could pull it off, but with the support and the AJJ foundation and by the grace of God and surrounded by wonderful people who supported me…it started,” Simpson said. “The children have a music room, they have lessons, they have instruments.”
Simpson takes it all in, remembering this moment in time.
“So I’m nearing the end, and that’s OK because this was a dream.”
This music room, these kids playing the piano, drums, and clarinet, was more than a dream — this was her dying wish.
“I’m stage four terminal cancer. The cancer is everywhere right now. It’s in my lungs and my brain. There’s nothing further they can do. This project was not supposed to happen until I passed, and the proceeds of my home would be donated to the Chera Simpson Music Fund.
But here we are, “It feels like a gift.” Two warriors are working in harmony.
“It’s an honor that this woman’s dying wish was that once she passed for the kids to get music, but now because everyone is coming together, she’s able to see it happen,” Jamieson said.
“And I’ve got to witness this,” Simpson said. “Imagine the joy. I’m getting emotional just thinking about it.
“She told me that when she gets to heaven, she’s going to give my little brother Alex a hug to thank him for letting her do this,” Jamieson said. “So I think it’s a good thing she gets to.”
“I hope that my legacy will show that it takes one person, one voice, to start something,” Simpson said.
If you want to donate or learn more, visit the links below:
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If you know a warrior in your community who should be recognized for helping others, nominate them to be a Wednesday’s Warrior by submitting a form on WTNH.com.