Art Opens Eyes and Minds

Painting of a pile of assorted gummy candies, including bears, worms, and fruit slices, on a white plate with a teal background.

I began drawing in 2022 and oil painting soon followed. While painting quickly became a source of personal joy, it also gave me a visual language for experiences that words alone could not fully convey.

In 2023, I painted Forbidden Fruit (oil on 16”x 20” canvas) inspired by my son's struggle with hypothalamic obesity and hyperphagia—a condition that leaves him with an insatiable hunger while requiring strict restrictions around food. The painting explores the tension between longing and limitation and was first exhibited during Brain Tumor Awareness Month as part of the Raymond A. Wood Foundation's Art of Surviving online exhibit. To my surprise and honor, Forbidden Fruit was also selected for the 2023 de Young Open in San Francisco.

Close-up photograph of a person's face wearing glasses, with brown hair and a striped shirt, focusing on the eyes and facial features.

Austin, craniopharyngioma survivor

10” x 10” oil on canvas

When I began portrait painting, I practiced by painting the images of acquaintances I saw on Facebook. After completing the painting, I gifted it to the person. I could not resist painting this sweet face and Austin’s was the first portrait I decided to paint in this manner. I’ll never forget the adorable thank you video he sent me.

A close-up painting of a person's face with glasses, short dark hair, and a light complexion, set against an orange background.

Alex, craniopharyngioma survivor

10” x 10” oil on canvas

This is a portrait of my son. Despite the many chronic conditions he lives with everyday (panhypopitutiarism, hypothalamic dysregulation, visual impairment) resulting from the brain tumor, Alex is good natured, kind, and retains a positive attitude. We are so proud of Alex.

Painting of a smiling young woman with braided hair, wearing a black tank top with purple accents, with a yellow background.

Justice, craniopharyngioma survivor

10” x 10” oil on canvas

I was moved to paint this child after watching a video of her excitement when she received her first of many (daily) growth hormone injections. She kept saying, “I did it!” with joy and relief (that it didn’t hurt as much as she feared). These brain tumor patients have to endure shots, pills, surgeries, other invasive medical procedures, MRI scans, etc. and their bravery deserves to be celebrated.

The Art of Surviving Craniopharyngioma, Oil on canvas (18” x 24”).

Art is a powerful tool for advocacy.

I was honored to be one of ten rare artist awardees selected by EveryLife Foundation and was invited to Washington DC during Rare Disease Week in February, 2025. I used my painting in conversations with legislators on Capitol Hill to represent the needs of rare disease patients and caregivers.