Name
Genevieve Helm

Brain Tumor Type
Craniopharyngioma

Date of Diagnosis
2019 and 2022

Participant Group
Brain Tumor Survivor / 12 and under

Category
Multimedia/2D/3D

Artist Statement (include type of art, techniques & materials used, what it means to you)
Miss Barnacle is a polymer clay sculpture modeled after a picture of a real wild hermit crab. She sits on a felt beach with waves and sand made of beads. She has a unique clam shell instead of your usual conch. She is removable and has several other shells she wears depending on the day.
It reminds me of the ocean and how I grew out of my old shell and had to find a new one.

Artist Bio: Tell Us Your Story
When I was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma in 2019 my life whole world shifted. I had to get multiple surgeries and my pituitary had to be removed along with the tumor. Now I had to keep up with pill schedules and had to get shots when things got bad. Just when I felt fully recovered, I was diagnosed with yet another one. That time I went to St. Jude in Memphis, TN and they helped me so much! I have been tumor free since then and I've gone on to enjoy an almost perfect life. I enjoy things like reading, playing with my animals, doing art, and taking hikes.