PAINTING WITH A PURPOSE

We are proud to showcase the creativity of some of our Jay Fund patients as part of tonight’s silent auction. We hope you enjoy exploring these pieces and the stories behind them. The pieces are each available in tonight’s silent auction.

“THE PLAYGROUND” PLATTER

ARTIST: Wesley

AGE: 8

DIAGNOSIS: Desmoplastic Small Round Cell

Tumors

Eight-year-old Wesley is a super trooper and never complains despite his rare cancer diagnosis. He’s a great big brother who loves picking flowers and going to the playground with his sister and cousin. While his cancer diagnosis may have slowed him down a bit, Wesley still zips down the slide with a huge smile on his face. Wesley painted the slide and the beautiful flowers on this platter his favorite color, red, to showcase the joy he finds at the playground. When his cancer treatments prevent him from an active day, Wesley enjoys playing video games and has become an expert at Minecraft.

“STRAWBERRY SUMMER” PLATTER

ARTIST: Preslee

AGE: 7

DIAGNOSIS: Rhabdomyosarcoma

As the baby of the family, 7-year-old Preslee is a feisty spitfire with a warm heart who manages to charm everyone she meets. Diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma last spring, Preslee has developed a passion for art and combs through YouTube videos to learn new drawing techniques. She enjoys coloring and painting and is inspired by bright colors. The sky blue in her design is her favorite color and reminds her of sunny summer days, but she chose to paint strawberries and watermelons in honor of her fruit-loving sister who has supported her through every step of her cancer journey.

“TURTLE COVE” BOWL

ARTIST: Marsha

AGE: 15

DIAGNOSIS: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Marsha was just starting high school and exploring new activities and friendships when her world took a sharp turn. Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia last spring, Marsha now completes her studies at home and has limited mobility. Marsha has a real talent for drawing and uses art as a form of self-expression. A beloved daddy’s girl, Marsha is also an animal lover and has a pet snake and tarantula at home. Her affection for all creatures great and small led to her drawing a turtle surrounded by a school of fish on this beautiful platter.