Thao Nguyen has an infectious laugh, a sparkle in her eye and a certain charisma that is absolutely undeniable. She adores fashion and holds on passionately to a unique sense of self. Only a few years ago, though, many people would not have known these things about Thao.

In October, guests who attended Sound’s annual fundraiser, IMAGINE, sat transfixed as Thomas Green quietly and humbly stood in the spotlight and shared his life story of struggle, loss, homelessness, perseverance, and triumph.