Name
Victoria P. Richardson-Lee

Brain Tumor Type
Glioma

Date of Diagnosis
09/2020

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)
This is an oil on canvas painting. I enjoy writing story that go with my paintings. This is the story of Dandy, a healing flower.
In a quiet meadow nestled between rolling hills and whispering trees, there lived a dandelion puff named Dandy. Dandy was a delicate, fluffy sphere that floated gently in the breeze, dreaming of adventure and purpose. Though small and seemingly insignificant, Dandy held a powerful secret that would soon change the lives of many.

One sunny morning, as the first rays of dawn kissed the meadow, Dandy felt a peculiar tug, as if the wind were calling, urging Dandy to embark on a journey. With a gentle nudge, the breeze lifted Dandy from its stem, carrying it high above the meadow. The world below transformed into a patchwork quilt of greens and golds, and Dandy felt a sense of exhilaration and freedom.

As Dandy drifted, it noticed a village at the forest's edge. The town was quaint, with cobblestone streets and charming cottages, but something was amiss. The villagers moved slowly, their faces etched with weariness and sorrow. Dandy's heart ached for them, and it felt an inexplicable pull toward the village square.

The breeze guided Dandy to a small garden in the heart of the village, where a wise old woman named Serafina tended to her herbs and flowers. Serafina was known for her healing abilities, but her remedies faltered against the mysterious ailment plaguing the villagers. As Dandy floated down, it landed gently on Serafina's outstretched hand. She smiled, sensing the dandelion puff's unique energy.

Serafina carefully planted Dandy in the center of her garden, whispering ancient words of encouragement. Days turned into weeks, and under Serafina's tender care, Dandy began to transform. Its fluffy seeds gave way to vibrant green leaves, and a radiant golden flower soon emerged. This was no ordinary dandelion; it was a healing flower imbued with the power to restore health and vitality.

Word of the miraculous flower spread quickly, and villagers flocked to Serafina's garden. Their ailments faded with each touch of the golden petals, lifting their spirits. The village, once shrouded in despair, blossomed with life and joy. Dandy's transformation had brought hope and healing to all.

As the seasons changed, Dandy's legacy endured. The villagers, grateful for the gift of the healing flower, tended to the garden with love and reverence. They shared its seeds with neighboring villages, spreading the magic far and wide. Thus, the story of Dandy, the dandelion puff that became a healing flower, lived on, a testament to the power of transformation and the boundless potential within even the smallest of beings.

Artist Bio: Tell Us Your Story
Ben is my inspiring cancer survivor who truly embodies resilience. His joyful spirit and infectious smile light up any gathering, making him the heart of the party. Since the age of just 2, he has bravely faced the challenges of 3 brain surgeries, 2 brain tumors, and 1 aneurysm. After enjoying 5 ½ incredible years free from cancer, we were heartbroken to learn in August 2020 that Ben faced a recurrence, with two nodules appearing in the same area as his original tumor from 2014. This news was the beginning of another difficult journey. One that we never expected. "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger." the words of German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. It sums up exactly what our lives have been like. We are blessed to have, four and a half years cancer-free now, although we constantly live with the thought that it's going to come back and when it's going to come back. These are all the fears a parent of a child like Ben has. Yet we carry on the best way we can.

Creating art is my survival mechanism; it is my go-to for living a harmonious life. Without my art, I don't think I would have had the strength that I have. It's essential to have an outlet to release the trauma. Whether it's through creating art, writing, speaking, or even something physically invigorating, it's necessary to process the emotions in a way that embodies cathartic release.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my art and for a great cause too. I am grateful!
- Ben's Momma