Name
Jason Burris

Brain Tumor Type
Craniopharyngioma

Date of Diagnosis
1992

Age Group (If you are a caregiver/family member please check Caregiver/Family Member)
Adult: 21 and over

Category
Creative Writing

Artist Statement (include type of art, techniques & materials used, what it means to you)
This is a photo I took with my iPhone when on a walk with my dog. I saw all the pinecones and thought it was awe-inspiring. I also wrote the poem completely separate from the photo but decided to put them together. It represents to me all the seeds that we have to put out there in the world to see what will come to fruition. Whether that be in our relationships with others, jobs or careers, hobbies, or simply helping others. Not all seeds will bear fruit so we must put out a lot so that some seeds that do fall on fertile ground and get the rights conditions will produce.

Pining for Pinecones
How can something so small get so big?
How does such a large plant come from such a small thing?
What must be encapsulated to make it grow?
With the right conditions such a small seed
can become a mighty pine tree.
Oh how miraculous!

Bio (include your age, tumor type and date of diagnosis)
My name is Jason Burris. I am 39 and had a brain tumor as a child.