Case Study #117 - Antwan Motivating Others

"Antwan Motivating Others" 30" x 24" Oil on Canvas

Born and raised in the bustling heart of Kansas City, Missouri, Antwan faced a unique path in life. He was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis and severe scoliosis at the tender age of two. His journey has been one marked by trials and tribulations. Yet, Antwan refused to be defined by these conditions, firmly embracing the belief, “I have neurofibromatosis, but it does not have me.”

Beneath Antwan’s surface, neurofibromas attempted to lay claim over his life, an unseen struggle that led to chronic restrictive lung disease. His body transformed, and with it, his life changed. A ventilator and supplemental oxygen became Antwan's constant companions. He was 29 when he first had to start using the ventilator due to his lung having restricted space and not able to fully expand. It started out just when he was sleeping, but overtime his lungs just grew weaker and now he has been having to use the ventilator full time now. Throughout his NF journey, Antwan met adversity head-on. He has undergone 18 surgeries and faced daily medical challenges that would cause many to lose hope. He recognized that adversities did not dictate his destiny; they were stepping stones shaping him into the man he has become.

In Antwan’s younger years, doctors cast a shadow over his future, predicting a significantly shortened life expectancy. Contrary to their predictions, Antwan has proven them wrong. At the age of 37, when doctors believed he wouldn’t see past eight, Antwan’s journey through life has been one of unwavering perseverance and determination. He chose to live life on his terms and not be constrained by circumstances.

Prep Sketch

Antwan’s resolve and tenacity propelled him through undergraduate school receiving a degree in social work at Kansas University and a Masters of Business Administration at Baker University. These milestones are not just academic achievements but symbols of his resilience and testaments of his ability to navigate challenges, affirming his belief that circumstances do not define us.

Antwan channeled his trials and tribulations into strength and passion. This ignited within him a desire to inspire and support others facing their hardships. He eagerly shares his conviction that individuals are not victims of their circumstances but architects of their destinies, capable of overcoming adversity.

Antwan’s story is a beacon of hope and resilience, reminding others that it is possible to rise above even the most daunting obstacles. While neurofibromatosis is a part of his life, it does not define who Antwan is but is a facet of his complex existence.

The painting that bears witness to Antwan's journey is a testament to his indomitable spirit. It portrays defiance in the face of neurofibromatosis and celebrates the power of the human spirit. The canvas is his battleground, where adversity is met with resilience, challenges are confronted with courage, and it becomes a symbol of victory over a disorder that threatens but never conquers.