Name
Eugenie Hsu

Brain Tumor Type
Craniopharyngioma

Date of Diagnosis
August 26, 2011

Participant Group
Caregiver/Family Member

Category
Drawing/Painting/Printmaking/Chalk Art

Artist Statement (include type of art, techniques & materials used, what it means to you)
I am a "cyber-stalker" portrait painter which means that I look at social media groups for photos (portraits) that inspire me. Usually it is a picture with someone in an interesting pose, someone with a charming smile, or a story about someone that touches me. When I see a photo that inspires me, I contact the person who posted it and ask for their permission to paint their portrait and I tell them that I am happy to gift it to them if they are pleased with the results.

In this case, I was scrolling through the Craniopharyngioma Facebook group and came across a video of a little girl who was absolutely GIDDY with excitement so I had to watch the video to learn about why she was so excited. Turns out, this little girl was getting her FIRST growth hormone injection and she absolutely ROCKED IT! She did not cry at all to her surprise and her bravery with the injection was a total thrill to her!

I painted an (11"x14") oil portrait (with mom's permission) and fortunately, mom liked the portrait so I'll be gifting it to them when it dries enough to ship.

I am relatively new to painting but I have already discovered how art has enriched my life because I love painting. When I can make someone else happy with my art, it's the icing on the cake!

If someone would like to commission me ($300 for a 11"x14" painting similar to "I did it!") for a portrait (from a high-quality reference photo), I will donate 100% of the proceeds to the Raymond A. Wood Foundation.
Follow me on IG @sumodoux

Artist Bio: Tell Us Your Story
As a mother and caregiver to a cranio survivor for the past 13 years, I know that this brain tumor is far from "benign." The medical conditions left in the aftermath of the tumor are chronic, complex-to-manage, and can be disabling,

In 2020, I joined the board of directors of RAWF and have been focused on doing everything in my power to advance research and advocacy in order to help improve the lives of brain tumor survivors like my son. I live by the belief that patients and caregivers own the power and knowledge to be the best advocates and I hope that others who are impacted by the tumor may also join me and RAWF in improving the lives of our survivors and their families.