Name
Raine Azure

Brain Tumor Type
Craniopharyngioma

Date of Diagnosis
2/19/2020

Participant Group
Caregiver/Family Member

Category
Photography/Digital Art

Artist Statement (include type of art, techniques & materials used, what it means to you)
This is a photo I took of my 13 year old son in Bali a few months ago. He looked so stoic and wise and the sunset was so powerful. A simple photo that created a memory I’ll never forget. I was so impressed with his ease and grace during our travels. He was always responsible with his timely medications.
This photo captured his essence so well. Cool, calm and collected. Even with a tumor in the middle of his brain.
I added the simple mandala background to enhance the calm vibration of the moment- but I did NO editing on any colors or anything else in this photo.

Artist Bio: Tell Us Your Story
I’m blessed to be the mother of an incredible human who was diagnosed with a very rare and very hard to treat tumor just before Covid shook all our worlds. At 9 years old he faced surgeries, radiation, endless blood draws, MRIs, prescriptions and appointments… while his friends were playing Pokémon and boogie boarding at the beach.
His tenacity for life aided his incredibly speedy recovery. Though there is always a battle to be had, at 13.5 he now faces them all head on.
He’s a musical wonder to behold, and reads novels at lightening speed. He writes in cursive and loves extra spicy foods. His little sister, father, grandparents, Ohana and friends are all so lucky to have him in our world. Ushering him into adulthood is a great honor. I find myself worrying less about his future and staying more in the present moment, enjoying the life we have and accepting the challenges along side him. Being a pillar he can always lean on. It’s not always easy to carry the weight of the unknown future your child faces, keeping the home cozy and the memories beautiful as possible is all I can do sometimes. I do my best for him.