A Holiday Gift From the Biggest Little U2 Fan in the World
One of the wonderful things about being a U2 fan is actually meeting and getting to know fellow fans. U2 is one of the most socially conscious bands in the world, but what is remarkable to me is the fact that so many of their fans are as well.
No one is a better example of this than an amazing young woman named Elsha Stockseth who is lovingly called “the biggest little U2 fan in the world.” I am quite sure many of you fans know and have been inspired by Elsha already. She truly is a superstar. I have had the honor to get to know her and call her a friend. For those who may not know, Elsha has a form of Muscular Dystrophy. When she was born, her parents were told that she would probably not be able to do anything. Though unable to walk, Elsha has proved those doctors wrong. She graduated high school with a 4.0 GPA and is a talented and award winning artist. She devotes her time to many important causes including ONE’s campaign to make poverty history and the African Well Fund which helps bring clean water to those who so desperately need it.
It comes as no surprise that U2 just happens to be a favorite band of hers. One of the highlights of her life was meeting them in Denver in 2005. I have a feeling the boys were just as honored to meet Elsha as she was to meet them!
Since 2006, Elsha has used her talent to design holiday cards which she sells and gives part of the proceeds to the African Well Fund. Today she revealed her new card design for 2010. You may recognize the little guy by the mailbox! Purchasing the cards are a wonderful way of giving back to those in need this holiday season.
Here is more information on the card designs, the organizations near and dear to Elsha’s heart , and the story of her remarkable life. I hope it touches your heart as much as it did mine. Thank you , Elsha!
Have a peaceful and joyful holiday season.
Please note that the deadline for orders on Elsha’s cards is December 15, 2010.
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Oh Cool U2 is down to earth people I love U2 so much god blessed them Robin Holland Hoyt Lakes,Minnesota.
Hi Iam Robin Holland age 25 I live on my own in Hoyt Lakes,Minnesota and I have learning disabilities I learned how to read in the eight grade my teacher Ms. Dawson from Springtown,Texas didn’t give up on me she tought me to read Im glad I had her for a teacher.And I love to draw U2 my apartment walls are cover in U2′s and Bono’s drawings.I wish to meet them one day I hope I saved up money to go my first U2 show fly from Minnesota and Texas all by my self to see U2 in the New Dallas Cowboys staduim and took my Sister Amber I had a great time of my life wow! 360 tour and the claw it look like a space ship I was on the floor in back I can’t see Iam 4″9 half I took pictures but didn’t show up good I am planing and hopeing to see them in 360 tour 2011 july 23rd in Minnesota with my Mom. I am also in Special Olypics for Basketball for girls SliverBacks team. I also look up to U2 band. Robin Denise Holland Hoyt Lakes,Minnesota God Bless you U2 and Elsha : )
Thank you for your response to Elsha’s story, Robin. I am so happy you got to see U2 in concert and that they have meant so much to you. I want to say how much I admire all that you have achieved as well. You and your teacher, Ms. Dawson, inspire all of us to be the best we can be. You are the true heroes! Good luck with your basketball team. Enjoy the concert in Minnesota next year!
Just wanted to say hey! and U2 Rocks. Party on Garth.
Robin thanks for sharing your story with us. You are really inspiring. I agree with stronggirl that you and your teacher are INCREDIBLE! I am really glad that you got to see U2 in person. I know how you feel not being able to see since you are so small because I am in a wheelchair and can’t see if people are standing up in front of me. It has always been my dream to be on the front row of a U2 show so last year i convinced my parents to let me try it at the vegas show. They were a bit worried about me getting hurt but we did it anyways. It was so awesome especially since we actually got into the pit. We with some friends decided to actually stand at the back of the pit so people wouldn’t push us from behind. It was really hard though because once the show started everyone still crowded us and I couldn’t see at all because people were way too tall. My mom and dad ended up holding me the whole time. I wouldn’t trade that show for anything though because although we were at the back of the pit when the boys especially bono came out on the walkway my mom would turn around so we actually were on the front row;) then the bridges would go right over our heads with the edge on it. Simply amazing!
anyways hope you get to actually meet U2 some day because they are all sweethearts.
also remember when you “Dream out loud” and “Walk on” U2 are ABLE (Adam, Bono, Larry, Edge) to do anything <3
Thanks Ya’ll I’am inspire buy you guy’s the U2 fans I think this will make Bono,The Edge,Adam and Larry proud of us Yes We are One. Robin Holland
I just wanted to update this. Elsha is still selling her cards as the holiday season has gotten into full swing! We just want anyone interested to know that you must have your orders in NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 15, 2010. Elsha thank everyone for their support of this effort which benefits the African Well Fund.