At 26 years old, Michael Sun speaks through color and creativity. A local young man with Down syndrome, his quiet spirit shines in vibrant crayon strokes and elaborate sketches — especially of gowns. His drawings reflect an imagination full of elegance and joy.
One of those sketches is now more than art. It’s a symbol of healing, resilience and the power of community.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Michael’s world. Like many in the special needs community, the sudden loss of routine, therapy and connection deeply affected him.
“He was a happy child, always creating,” says his father, John Sun. “But during the pandemic, he lost interest in everything — even drawing. He refused to leave the house.”
That changed after a chance meeting at a vendor fair hosted by William Paterson University. John met Elif Hajaluga, a speech-language pathologist and co-owner of All 4 Therapy in Fair Lawn.
“After Michael’s first session, they stopped at CVS and he asked for crayons,” Hajaluga says. “That moment marked the return of his creativity.”
Soon, Michael was drawing again — mostly dresses. His sketches were intricate, expressive and inspired by celebrities, Disney characters and ballroom dancers. Hajaluga proudly hangs them in her office. Over time, his drawings have become an emotional outlet.
“Drawing gives him control and a safe space to express himself,” she says. “It’s been both healing and empowering.”
But Hajaluga saw something more: the chance to bring one of Michael’s creations to life.
Through a mutual friend, she connected with Aideen Gannon, a recent fashion design graduate from Griffith College in Ireland. Now working in childcare, Gannon has a background in sewing and patternmaking — and a love for creative projects.
“When I saw Michael’s drawings, they reminded me of princess dresses,” Gannon says. “I loved the colors and shapes he used.”
Michael chose a short dress in blue and green with a mesh overlay — the same colors as All 4 Therapy’s logo.
“I think in his own way, Michael was connecting it back to the place where he felt safe again,” Hajaluga says.
Gannon worked behind the scenes to turn the design into a real dress, sparking ideas for the future — including lending the gown to high school students for prom.
But for Michael, the dress is about something deeper. It represents his return to creativity and the community that championed his voice.
A special celebration is in the works, where the dress will be unveiled in front of family, friends and the therapists who believe in him.
“This isn’t just about fashion,” Hajaluga says. “It’s about honoring who Michael is. This is his moment.”
For John Sun, the journey has been emotional.
“When Michael draws, it’s how I see what he’s thinking,” he says. “Each stroke is like a thread weaving something beautiful from within.”
A dress imagined by Michael, sewn with love and worn by hope — proof that creativity speaks volumes, every voice matters, and when you can… dance.
SIDEBAR -
Hilary Russo is a trauma-informed holistic practitioner, health coach, journalist, international speaker, and author. She is one of only 50 Certified Havening Techniques® Trainers worldwide and a certified practitioner of this neuroscience-based method. With a background in media and the military, Hilary brings first-hand insight to her work with clients facing secondary trauma, stress, and burnout. Her globally top-rated podcast, HIListically Speaking® (top 1.5%), features inspiring conversations with leading voices in holistic health, wellness, and neuroscience. Connect with Hilary at www.hilaryrusso.com or on social media @hilaryrusso.
“Drawing gives him control and a safe space to express himself.” - Elif Hajaluga