As many of you may already know, since my granddaughter Hailey was born 5 years ago, I have been painting to help raise awareness for Cerebral Palsy. I am a firm believer in educating others about disabilities. Before Hailey was born I had no idea how to treat others who were “uniquely abled” of course I was never mean to anyone, but I am embarrassed to say that I really didn’t know much about people who had disabilities, I had no reason to, that is until Hailey touched our lives with her warm heart, her fierce determination, her contagious smile and of course her many many challenges that accompany her C.P.
I’ve always enjoyed painting, but Hailey is the driving force that feeds my passion. As it says in my biography “ Every brush stroke I make on raw canvas is a stroke of love, I paint to raise money and awareness for Cerebral Palsy. To own a painting by me is to own part of my passion. I am doing something that I love to do for someone that I love. To signify the cause, any recent work will have a green Cerebral Palsy awareness ribbon placed discreetly in the painting.
I love that I get emails from people who cannot seem to find the green ribbon that I incorporate in my paintings, it means that the word is getting out, that they are looking, and that makes me happy. Recently I have been put in touch with “Something Special Magazine” This magazine is an incredible resource for families who are living with people who have disabilities. They are based out of Savannah Georgia and have distribution in many locations in Georgia and the Carolinas.
The magazine includes local resources, has special features on numerous disorders, such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy Down Syndrome, Chromosome Disorders and Juvenile Diabetes just to name a few. They have articles on learning differences, behavior issues, lifestyle tips and special grandparents. I am honored to say that their latest fall issue has one of my favorite paintings as the cover (it is the painting of Hailey and her mom Natalie, taking just a minute to smell the pretty flowers) I was also interviewed by one of their writers who wrote an extremely nice article about Hailey, myself and our quest to raise awareness. Please view that
here.
Something Special Magazine can be viewed digitally, or you can have it delivered to your door step for $18.00 a year. They also have a great fb page that often has a bounty of good information and inspiration, so head on over to their page and like them. They also have a newsletter that you can sign up for. They have so many options to make it easy for you to get the resources that you need, this fall issue not only features me, but giving the fact that Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day is September 4th there is a lot of information on C.P. this issue as well as featuring Down Syndrome Awareness Month because that is in October. They also have a contest going on this issue and as so much more. If you or someone you love has special needs, this is a must see publication. A special thank you to Katrina Laygo for creative such a wonderful and informative publication.
Love the picture! You are a shining example of using our talents for a good cause.
ReplyDeleteBoth these paintings are just gorgeous. My second son was delayed in turning over and my first stop for assessment, on the advice of friends, was the local Cerebral Palsey center. They gave me some exercises that had him turning over the next day. There were no further delays, but I shall be forever grateful for their patience and attention. That's the thing about special abilities. You never know when you're going to need them.
ReplyDeleteThank you ladies! @Granny, you never do know, I'm so glad that they were able to help, and that your son had no further delays, what a blessing. But yes, people who have disabilities and their advocates are typically very knowledgable and helpful. It obvious left a lasting impression on you, that's nice :)
ReplyDeleteYour paintings are absolutely beautiful! You should consider sharing them with the cerebral palsy community over at the Cerebral Palsy Family Network Facebook page. I'm sure the members there would enjoy them equally as much as I do.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words and suggestions Glenn, I just might do that!
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