There are so many reasons to love Demi Lovato. Through the years, we’ve seen her grow as she faced hardships and countless criticisms. Through it all, she spreads a message of inner-strength and positivity. Not only is she a multi-platinum artist and noted performer, her 2013 novel Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year, became a New York Times Bestseller. In a word, she’s an inspiration.
Image courtesy of bbc.co.uk
On March 22nd, the Grammy-nominated singer and advocate will be awarded the Artistic Award of Courage, at the Open Mind Gala. The Open Mind Gala is a biennial event held by The Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA. The gala will be held at the Beverly Hilton and is in support of UCLA’s mental health research, education, and clinical care programs.
Alongside the courageous singer, Julie S. Grow and Dr. Kelsey Martin will be honored for the Humanitarian Award and the Visionary Award, respectively. The Artistic Award of Courage, will highlight Lovato for her outstanding advocacy on behalf of mental health communities, courageously speaking out in order to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and help others.
As she writes in the introduction of Staying Strong, “Sometimes the smallest few words can make all the difference; they can comfort and they can inspire.”