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| "Barbara Snorkeling at the Lake" Oil on Canvas. 30" x 24" 2020. |
Born in February 1985, a healthy rambunctious and overall normal child, Barbara was born with no outward signs of NF symptoms. Most of her childhood was spent playing in the dirt, joining in softball games, and riding bikes. Other than being clumsy, she was just a typical child. Barbara retained semi good grades all throughout school. She was well known for her ability to draw. After being accepted to a few colleges, she decided that she would actually take a year off in between and travel. Barbara's travels found her living in The United States Virgin Islands working as a bar back and waitress. She was having the time of her life! Then one day in 2011 she woke up and realized she couldn’t walk. She crawled around and when she finally could walk; her foot on the right side would constantly drag. Barbara was immediately flown to her home state of Maine where her life changed.
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| Prep Sketch |
Barbara was diagnosed with NF1. She had thousands of internal tumors, two in particular were in her cervical spine and had caused almost a full spinal cord impingement. Since that day, Barbara has had seven surgeries. NF has left her weak on her right side and she can no longer hold a pencil to draw and hasn’t been able to in many years. NF has made life a struggle. but she really doesn’t mind, she would love for a cure to NF. Her motto is "Life is beautiful even when it’s not." Barbara lives in a small town where not many people have ever heard of NF. Every year she contacts different advocates and hospitals and NF clinics including the one that she receives care at, Mass General in Boston. She gathers reading material and flyers and passes them out to all of the physician's offices in her area. Barbara even carries personal business cards that have her picture and a brief description of NF. The business card also includes links to NF Northeast and the Children’s Tumor Foundation for further research and donation options.
1 comment:
Barbara is one of the most loving, caring, beautiful people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She is selfless and would give you anything she had if she knew someone needed it. She is the life of the party and even when hurting, sad, or angry she will find a way to smile or brighten your day. My life is so much better now that I get to call her my friend. She has so many people who love her and are cheering her on. I love you lady and I always will. I'm here if you need anything ever! 🌻💛🌻
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