Thursday, January 5, 2017

Case Study #34 - Kevin Leading the Charge

Kevin Leading the Charge. Oil on Canvas. 2017. 30" x 24"
Kevin Allison is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and for as long as he can remember, he has had NF. For some living with NF is a curse or a punishment, but Kevin doesn't necessarily see it in that way. It's more of a blessing in disguise. Kevin feels like he can't really complain since he has a mild case of it and feels very fortunate. He has café au lait spots, neurofibromas under his skin, and a stable optic nerve tumor. He used to suffer from weekly migraines.

Prep sketch
If it wasn't for having NF, Kevin wouldn't have had some of the life experiences he has thoroughly enjoyed. He attended an NF camp twice where he made a ton of friends. During that time he saw the Grand Canyon and white water rafted down the Colorado which ranks as one of his favorite life experiences. Kevin will be participating in his 4th Cupid's Undie Run. Besides being a ton of fun, he gets to join 1200 other people whom he considers family who also want to find a cure for NF. They do this by running through the streets of Pittsburgh in the freezing cold in February in their underwear. The main reason for the run is bringing awareness to NF. There is no cure but this is certainly a way to stand out. It definitely puts a smile on his face to see everyone come together for such a great cause. The best part of last year was being able to carry one of the Cupid's Undie Run flags at the beginning of the race. It was definitely a great feeling and an honor.

In Kevin's words, "It's an amazing feeling to have the love and support of friends and family. I believe I have become the person I am today because of NF. I have many experiences I wouldn't trade for anything and have met many people along this journey I can call family. I aspire to bring awareness to many and continue to raise funds with the hope that one day a cure will be found".

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