If you listen to the distinctive sound of Chris Errera’s piano echoing throughout the room, you would never realize the challenges he faced to get there. To Errera, it has always been about the music, as if he had the ability to overlook any challenge large or small.
Celebrated Pianist Chris Errera Helps Spearhead Legislation Designating a “Dwarfism Awareness Month” in Illinois
Internationally Recognized Little Person Musician and Chicagoland Native Performed at the White House Last Month
CHICAGO, IL: Jan. 11, 2013: If you listen to the distinctive sound of Chris Errera’s piano echoing throughout the room, you would never realize the challenges he faced to get there. To Errera, it has always been about the music, as if he had the ability to overlook any challenge large or small. The 39 year old world class pianist and Schaumburg resident’s journey hasn’t been easy. Errera, who faces the challenges of dwarfism head on, is now doing his part to leave a lasting legacy of awareness through his contributions to help designate October officially as “Dwarfism Awareness Month” in Illinois.
According to the Little People of America (LPA), the nation’s oldest and largest organization for people with dwarfism, over 30,000 people in the U.S. are affected, with an estimated 3,500 people residing in Illinois.
To help raise public awareness about dwarfism and recognize the contributions of the Little People across the state, the House of Representatives of the 97th General Assembly of the State of Illinois designated October as “Dwarfism Awareness Month.” Sponsored by State Representative Michelle Mussman, House Resolution 1234 joins Illinois with the numerous other states that have stepped forward to bring greater awareness to the contributions and needs of these individuals throughout the state.
“I am proud to sponsor House Resolution 1234 to recognize Dwarfism Awareness Month,” said Representative Mussman. “I am happy that Illinois can now join the numerous other states that have stepped forward to bring greater awareness to the contributions and needs of these individuals in our communities. It is a pleasure to partner with Chris Errera and the Little People of America. Chris is a dynamic leader on this issue with extraordinary talents, and like many other little people in my community, is passionate about creating a better future for people with dwarfism and others with physical limitations.”
Errera himself has never been one to be held back by the limitations he faced. He made national headlines last year after posting a YouTube response to Rosie O’Donnell’s abrasive comments about little people, and was invited as a guest on O’Donnell’s show to serve as a prime example of an individual affected by dwarfism who has transcended his physical limitations to achieve success. Despite the challenges he’s faced, the respected musician, producer, teacher and motivational speaker continues to push the envelope of expectations. Errera even fulfilled a lifelong dream when he performed at the White House last month.
“I was honored and humbled at the opportunity to perform at the White House Christmas,” said Errera. “I owe much of my success to my supportive friends, family and the Little People of America, an organization dedicated to helping people with dwarfism. My goal is to continue to raise awareness of and create a better future for people with dwarfism and other physical limitations.”
At the age of 4 Errera was trained in classical piano since he could not play sports. His childhood passion for music progressed to a college education in music performance and composition, with scholarships to both Northern Illinois and DePaul University’s School of Music. Although undaunted by the diastrophic dwarfism that has affected him since birth, he’s had to balance his efforts in music with over 20 surgeries to help fix his hips, knees and feet. In 2000, Errera lost the use of his legs and lower body to spinal stenosis.
Errera has come to draw large crowds to his performances and motivational talks. In addition to a feature television story on Chris’ Emmy win, a recent documentary on his life entitled “Composed” took away top honors from four prominent international film festivals. Errera is set to perform on stages ranging from the historic United States Air Force Academy, all the way to his trademark piano performances infused with truly inspirational conversations with his audience. In 2013, Chris also became a regular music-talent guest for Mancow; a nationally syndicated radio and television program that reaches over 60 markets.
For more information on Chris Errera visit www.chriserrera.com. To learn more about dwarfism and the people affected by it, visit www.lpaonline.org
