“SAIL ON THE SEAS”
BY
EMILY WORD
OKOLONA, MISSISSIPPI
Emily is from Okolona, Mississippi. Nine years ago, she was walking in an old
abandoned house with some friends and a wall fell on top of her. Emily broke her C5
and C6 vertebrae. She spent many months in the hospital and in rehab to regain her
strength. Emily is a quadriplegic, and she has come a long way since her accident. She
works, drive and goes to school, and between all of that, she has become an artist. She
first began painting and working on collages until she found a love for glass. Emily
enjoys breaking glass of different colors and gluing the glass on canvas to resemble
what’s in her imagination.
“SEA WORLD”
“FLOWER POWER”
BY
MARY BATES
TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI
Mary has a spinal cord injury and has a surgical stint in her back to control the
pain. She has the help of a cane to walk. Mary and her 13-year-old son Trever create
art together. Mary likes to try all mediums of art. She makes beads out of clay to be
fired in a kiln then to be painted and fired again while Trever makes clay abstract
sculptures to be fired and painted. When it comes to making a collage, they make a
good team using yarn, paper, beads, paint and glitter. Mary always loves to paint. Just
recently, Mary had a stroke and has limited use of her right side but creating art now
exercises her arm, and she is regaining her strength through her art.
“FREEDOM”
BY
KAREN CADLE
RIDGELAND, MISSISSIPPI
I’ve been allergic to chemical pest control all of my adult life and always took
precautions to avoid contact with such chemicals and keep medical strength Benadryl
with me at all times. On Super Bowl Sunday, 2007, I lit the last of the firewood I had
burned all winter with no problems, cranked up the pre-game show, poured one
margarita and began hollering’ for the Bears!
Within 30 minutes I had a distinct metallic taste in my mouth and could not
figure out why. Then the familiar signs of an allergic reaction hit (eyes swelling, lips
burning and swelling, throat tightening) the severe head ache and double vision was an
“add-on” this time. I couldn’t figure out why. Very quickly it didn’t matter why – I put
out the fire, and it continued to smolder (still not knowing that was the source).
The chemical burns to my sinuses, throat and upper respiratory system healed
fairly quickly. The damage to the “cognitive machine”, return of my logic functioning,
short term and long term memory and balance took much longer – seven months!
I was very lucky to survive the cyanide poisoning and to recover the cognitive
levels I have, and I thank God everyday just to see the green grass. Headaches come
and go, the seizures come and go, and the double vision and pain behind my right eye
comes and goes.
I am very grateful to the team of five doctors and nine specialists, a few good
friends and unconditional support of the Brain Injury Association of MS and other
survivors who helped me fight for my life…physically, mentally, emotionally and
financially. My health insurance was a nightmare!
I learned that “Real friends walk in when the rest of the world and “pretenders”
walk out.” I know how lucky I am. I am a survivor!
“RAINBOW”
“MY AMERICA”
BY
JOHNNY HERNDON
NETTLETON, MISSISSIPPI
Johnny Herndon has grown so much through his art. He started creating art
for the first time three years ago and has not stopped. Johnny is always ready to come
to art class. He comes with a smile, and he fills the room with energy. Johnny, his
mother and his grandmother all come to art class together. They watch Johnny laugh
and enjoy the time he spends in class. Johnny loves to paint, glue beads and use
markers! He loves all colors, and most of all, he loves the drip painting we do in class.
He also likes to drip paint on his wheelchair!
Johnny’s grandmother passed away last year, and he knows that she’s in Heaven.
He has since made hundreds of foam crosses with hope sayings on them. He has given
the crosses to everyone at his church and to everyone in our art class.
“GARDEN PATCH”
“GOT MILK”
BY
JOSH MCALPIN
HOUSTON, MISSISSIPPI
Josh McAlpin was in a motorcycle accident on April 28, 1996, at the age of
sixteen. He was in a coma for nearly two and a half months. He has a traumatic brain
injury and a spinal cord injury. He has short term memory loss and is paralyzed from
mid-chest down.
He loves to go to art class. This is his third year of being a member of Our
Artworks. At art, he gets to be around his friends. If you ask him who his best friend is,
he would say William Heard. William motivates the art students in many ways. Not
only do they work their muscles, they socialize and they are pushed to be as
independent as possible. Before this class was started, Josh was a very lonely person.
He has family that loves him deeply, but he had no real friends to interact with on a
regular basis. Since going to the art class, he can focus longer. Because of his short
term memory problems, Josh’s biggest question was, “WHEN WILL I WALK AGAIN?”
Several years down the road he realized that he wasn’t going to walk again. He prays
every night for God to give the doctors the knowledge to help him and all others to walk
again.
Then he began the journey of realizing how bad his short term memory is. This
continues to be a major obstacle. One thing I can always count on, even if we just
returned from art class, is that Josh won’t remember being there. The second thing I
can count on is Josh asking, “When are we going to art class?” Josh enjoys shooting
pool, fishing, country music, dominoes, talking on the phone and hanging out with his
friends in Tupelo, Mississippi, at Our Artworks. He prays every night for God to give
the doctors knowledge to fix all broken backs, to get his memory back and to hopefully
move to Tupelo someday soon!!
Ruth Weaver
Josh’s Mom
“NIGHT FALLS”
“FISH OUT OF WATER”
BY
JOEY BRENSON
TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI
Joey moved to Tupelo from Brandon almost a year ago. He has recently found a
new love, which is painting! Joey was in a car accident 17 years ago in Brandon. He
has been a paraplegic ever since. Joey uses his manual wheelchair as he carries on his
daily life. Joey can drive, and he is also on the National Wheelchair Fencing Team. He
has traveled all over the country and to Europe representing the USA in fencing
competitions. He will be representing the United States in the Olympics.
When he’s not fencing, you can bet that he’s painting. He likes the dripping
abstract and has begun to paint representational works such as Japanese trees,
dragonflies and peace signs.
“CONFETTI”
“FANTASY”
BY
JODIE THARP
GREENWOOD, MISSISSIPPI
Jodie was a 5th year senior at Ole Miss majoring in Speech Pathology – full of life
and loved to talk and laugh with everyone she met. She had a part time job doing make
up parties to save up for the apartment she wanted to rent on the square in Oxford.
On Saturday, April 03, 2004, she had a makeup show that lasted until late
afternoon. She was about 10 miles from home when she lost control of her car and
went off the right side of the road. She snatched the wheel to get back on the road, but
she overcorrected and went into the median. When she tried to turn back onto the
highway, the car rolled many times throwing her out of the back window.
Jodie is a fighter, but it has been a touch almost seven years. She cannot walk,
has no use of her right arm and minimal use of her right leg. The hardest part is that
she cannot talk. She can say only a few words but Jodie can communicate as well with
her eyes and facial expressions as many people can with a voice.
We got her paint, brushes and canvases about three years ago for therapy and
found out that she loves to paint. The only help she gets is when we help her fill her
brush with paint. She studies the board before she adds the color, and if she doesn’t
like the color, she will hand it back to us. These are totally her creations.
Jodie is one of God’s precious miracles, and she is an inspiration to all who have
met her.
“HOME FOR A BIRD”
“WHIRL POOL”
“BROKEN FENCE”
BY
BRAD RINEHART
BOONEVILLE, MISSISSIPPI
Brad Rinehart, better known as “HART,” is an active member of Our Artworks
located in Tupelo, Mississippi. Brad is from Booneville, Mississippi. Our Artworks is
an art class for individuals with disabilities sponsored by a grant from the Mississippi
Department of Rehabilitation. Brad is a twenty nine year old young man who has lived
with epilepsy all of his life. His participation as an artist has helped to improve his
quality of life. Brad’s work as an artist has allowed him to express his creativity. Brad
loves to paint, but for him, being with his friends is the greatest reward. Brad
continues to grow as an artist and as such is able to improve his social skills. Brad is a
very prolific artist. He creates abstract art and landscapes to the surrealism. He comes
up with many great and wild ideas. He has a great imagination and uses art to express
himself in a positive light.
TITLE UNKNOWN
BY
BETH WALKER
RIDGELAND, MISSISSIPPI
Beth Walker, a mother, wife and coach, was found by her husband on the floor in
a fetal position with a 106 degree temperature on October 06, 1994. Beth is a survivor
of a viral form of encephalitis. A week went by while she was in a coma on life support
before they discovered what she had contracted. A risky surgery was scheduled to
remove the damaged brain tissue to allow more space for her brain to swell. They told
Beth’s family that if she survived, she would be an invalid.
A small group of friends and family were allowed to go into Beth’s ICU room and
pray for her before the surgery. She miraculously stabilized when the neurosurgeon
returned to the room, and the surgery was canceled. When she came out of the coma,
the only memory left was of my young salvation as a young girl. “I will never leave you
or forsake you, do not be afraid.” (Deuteronomy 31:8). She learned then that medicine
shows GOD’s mercy, and miracles show his power.
Beth’s active lifestyle played a large part in regaining mobility. It took six months
of rehab to learn how to process speech, walk, write and read again. She was
introduced to a faithful, patient husband, daughter, family and friends who were then
all total strangers. Beth and her husband, Hal, renewed their vows shortly after going
home. Married twice and never divorced!
Continual videos, photos and stories have been teaching her about the woman
she once was. The disabilities that she has now are visual recognition memory, time
concept and a very short attention span. Beth’s age is always a mystery! Beth uses
GPS’s and hand drawn or typewritten maps to navigate. To do and done lists are
beneficial to help her complete tasks efficiently or accomplish things independently.
She has a journal for church, phone calls and emails that have been invaluable to
refresh her memory.
At present, Beth helps others, young, old, elderly or disabled, stay in their home
environment as a personal care attendant and sitter. She also works part time in a
store that has made accommodations for her disabilities. The Lord has given her a new
life like the butterfly she painted. He gave her more determination, courage and joy to
continue using what she still has for the rest of her time here on earth. She doesn’t
compare herself to others; she simply just does the best she can!
“BUTTON UP”
BY
ADAM UMFRESS
MANTACHIE, MISSISSIPPI
Adam Umfress is a delight to be around! He is quiet at first, but when he gets
started, he will make you laugh. Adams lives in Mantachie, Mississippi. Adam has
used buttons in his art along with paint, glitter, beads and glass bottles. Adam started
out creating beaded picture frames. He would glue bright colored beads around a
wooden frame, and once a picture was inside, it looked great. For the show, Adam has
created a picture with glitter, buttons and paint. The painting is called “Fields of
Grace.” When Adam is not painting, he is a wiz on the computer. He also loves
watching movies; he has well over a thousand movies. He records movies for his
friends in art class.
“SMILE”
“WONDERFUL”
BY
RANDY LAVENDER
TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI
Randy Lavender is from Tupelo, Mississippi. He is a big Mississippi State fan.
He will always have something MSU on him. It would be easy to guess his favorite
color, “Maroon.” Although his favorite color is maroon, he still ventures off and uses
all colors to paint. Randy likes to paint abstracts and anything Mississippi State such
as paw prints, the letters “MSU” and the MSU bulldog. Twenty years ago, Randy was in
a motorcycle accident, and has been a paraplegic ever since. Randy is an active artist;
he never misses a class. Randy likes the other artists in Our Artworks. He has a small
studio or paint area at home. While the artist is at home, he or she can take their time
while they work. Randy has paint and canvases on hand at home when he decides to be
creative. He has started painting bird houses to get them ready for the spring.
“MY RED HEART”
BY
PATRICK SENTER
TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI
Patrick Senter and his friend were in a car accident in 2001. Patrick was in a
coma for two months and his friend was killed. Patrick spent several months in
recovery in Jackson, Mississippi. After therapy and time to heal, Patrick was interested
in art. From the accident, his short term memory had an effect on him, but he wasn’t
going to give up. He had sticky notes everywhere to help him remember. He began art
with photography and then paintings. He likes to take lots of pictures and then pick a
photo to recreate and paint on canvas. He also likes to get messy with clay by making
beads and sculptures out of the clay.
“RAINDROPS”
“BLUE CRUSH”
BY
NICK SEIDL
NETTLETON, MISSISSIPPI
Nick Seidl at the age of seventeen, four years ago, had a terrible car accident early
one morning while driving to school which left him a paraplegic. When Nick was asked
to try some art, he wasn’t ready to get out and try it. At the time, he wasn’t ready to get
out in the community. After a few more times of asking Nick to try creating art, he
came to the class. He then met other people with similar disabilities. Nick opened up
and found out that he could draw. He began drawing, painting, gluing and trying
several different types of mediums. He is also good at wood work. He builds canvases
for the art class to use. Nick spends most of his time sketching in his sketch pad of
landscapes, people and surrealism. He then paints an image to canvas.
“COPPER CROSS”
“MOUNTAIN TOP”
BY
ROBBIE PIPKIN
HOUSTON, MISSISSIPPI
Robbie Pipkin is from Houston, Mississippi. Robbie has been a self taught artist
for about the last ten years. As a para, he has taught himself how to carve on wooden
sticks. His work is very time consuming as he uses small knives and wood carving
utensils to carve designs such as fish, deer, birds, Indians, and arrow heads onto his
walking sticks and wood handle knives. He is very interested in the Native American
Indian which is the main influence in his work. He also likes to paint in geometric
shapes. His geometric designs are small and complex. He likes to draw and paint
shapes on canvas or glass. He is a very prolific artist having more than one hundred
carved walking sticks and many paintings that he keeps at home not wanting to sell
what he calls his “prized possessions.”
“HOLLYWOOD”
BY
NICOLE MARQUEZ
MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
Nicole Marquez always knew she wanted to entertain audiences. With a degree in
theatre and dance from the University of Southern Mississippi, and acting
apprenticeships at theaters around the country, Nicole took off to New York to pursue
her dream of performing on Broadway in January 2008.
Several months later, after her best audition ever, Nicole came home to find she
was locked out of her Harlem apartment. Always resourceful, she went to the roof of
the building to see if she could climb down a fire escape to her open window. What
happened next is a mystery. Somehow, Nicole fell six stories from the roof. She lay on
the ground over eight hours before being discovered the next day.
Nicole's injuries included a broken neck (crushed C5, C6), broken back (crushed
L4), broken pelvis, broken ribs and punctured lung.
Through hard work and determination, the young actress and dancer is now
walking without assistive devices, and she is certified to teach "Yoga Meets Dance TM."
Nicole is also pursuing a career in motivational speaking. So far, she's made over 30
speeches to schools, churches, civic clubs and associations. In September, she'll be a
keynote speaker at the International Women's Leadership Conference in Honolulu,
Hawaii.
"My life has changed in many ways since my accident," Nicole said. "But today
my life is full and rich, and I am thankful to organizations like the Brain Injury
Association of Mississippi for helping me with the resources I need to reach my goals."
“BEADED HEART”
“SPIKE”
BY
RONNIE JERNIGAN
NETTLETON, MISSISSIPPI
Ronnie Jernigan has been in a wheelchair for thirty-eight years. He had never
created art or ever wanted to until he started being around others who had disabilities
that created art. Ronnie had an accident that left him a paraplegic and later having to
amputate both legs. He brings a great light to art class with his sense of humor and
ability to make people feel comfortable. Over his life, he has collected little doodads,
old jewelry, little metal things, old coins, necklaces and other very interesting things.
He creates a picture by gluing these objects that he finds onto a painted canvas. He has
found his medium through his creations.
“CENTER OF THE EARTH”
BY
WILLIAM HEARD
TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI
I graduated from Tupelo High School in 1994. After high school I was off to
basic training in the Army National Guard as a Medical Specialist. In 1996, I enrolled
at Mississippi State University, majoring in Business in Furniture Production.
On March 14, 2000, I was reborn from a car accident that left me a
quadriplegic. I had to teach myself to become an independent person. I had to become
stronger to work with therapists to get where I am today. Along my journey I found a
new love for painting. It started ten years ago while I was in rehabilitation at the
Shepherd Center in Atlanta. I picked up my first paint brush there. I held the brush in
a cuff in the palm of my hand, but as I painted, I couldn’t keep the brush steady, and I
got frustrated so after a short time, I gave it up.
One late night three years ago, I watched a movie about Jackson Pollock and
was glued to it. I was amazed by the way he painted. It looked like something I could
do and enjoy. I hadn’t had much experience in painting, but I told myself that this was
something I wanted to do, and I would figure out a way to do it. I came up with a
method of using spoons to throw, pour and lay paint on a canvas. Like Jackson Pollock
I drip paint, but I use a cup, plate, pizza box or anything I could get my hands on to
drip many colors at once.
Through my disability and art, I had the opportunity to start an art class for
people with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries through a grant from the
Traumatic Brain Injury/Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund. Our art class is called “Our
Artworks” and consists of artists with TBI’s and SCI”s. Local guest artists along with
me teach the year-long program. We intend to start another class in September.
“Butterfly”
A Poem
By
William Heard
I am free in the sun
On the flowers I can run
My arms are my legs
As far as I can spread
Guides me through the wind, it’s the call of my course
Finding the answers, questioning remorse
The beauty of the beast grows inside a cocoon
Fighting a way out to the moon
The journey is a long endless ride
With all my wings I challenge the sky.
“LOVE BIRDS”
BY
WILLIAM H. PARKER, III
RIDGELAND, MISSISSIPPI
In 2005, my short-term memory was taken from me. One day I was feeling ill,
and the next day I could not remember new things for more than a few seconds.
Everything has changed including my hobbies. I now enjoy cross stitching! I have a
memory aide. I wrote a computer program to help me keep track of my stitching
progress. I enjoy nature, and for the 2011 Art of Recovery event, I created a cross stitch
that shows two cardinals perched on a branch.
“HIP HOP”
BY
TEREA – OUR ARTWORKS
TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI
Terae is from all over the United States. She grew up in Texas, and has now
settled down in Tupelo, MS. She has been fighting health problems including breast
cancer. Terae is a unique painter with very interesting ideas. She paints with acrylic
and enjoys bead making such as bracelets, necklaces and earrings.
She says, “Most of the tragedy and havoc created in my life, I must admit, were
made on my own part.” If she had the choice to change anything, she wouldn’t,
because then, she wouldn’t be the person she is today. She has been given the
opportunity for a second chance at life, and that’s what she’s doing today. “God Bless,”
is a quote from Terae’s book she has written about her life. The book is called
“Blackened Blonde.” It is a true story about her life.
She has overcome so much from the day she was born. Now she’s fifty-five
and has a new outlook on life. Her book can be found on Amazon.com and
Barnes&Noble.com.
“JAZZ NATION”
“SLEEPY HOLLOW”
BY
STEVE CAYSON
BALDWYN, MISSISSIPPI
Steve Cayson is a very creative person. He is patient with his work. He enjoys
all mediums of art, taking his time to create so his work will be perfect. His specialty is
painting. Steve, a self-taught artist, has learned to paint hands, eyes, people and
abstract work.
Steve is a paraplegic, limited in mobility and gets around on two crutches but is
a very prolific artist. He will paint for days on end on every canvas in sight until they
are all complete. Steve also likes to paint on bottles, make collages and work with clay
but painting using acrylics is his favorite.
“THE FLEUR-DE-LIS”
BY
JOHN MATTHEWS
PASS CHRISTIAN, MISSISSIPPI
My name is John Matthews. I have always been a happy go lucky guy, enjoying life to the
fullest. I had a wonderful time in college and graduated from USM in 1994 with a degree in
Banking and Finance. I moved to Florida to fulfill my dream of becoming a stock broker. I
was an avid soccer player, an accomplished guitarist and a beginning skydiver.
I was hired by a brokerage firm in Tampa, Florida so I fulfilled the dream of becoming a
stock broker. I continued my pursuits of my other interests, especially the skydiving. In 1997
I left the brokerage firm to become the business manager of a skydive gear factory in
Zephyrhills, FL. This position not only gave me a job but also gave me the opportunity to
pursue skydiving on a professional level.
In October of 2000, I was awarded the National Championship medal for free fall
diving in Parris Valley, California. I then moved to southern Florida to begin training for
international level completion. On November 2, 2000, my life changed forever. I was coming
in for a normal landing when a dust devil caught and twisted my canopy, and I fell 60 feet
traveling at a speed of 60 miles per hour. I had severe fractures throughout my body but the
worst was the traumatic brain injury. Of course, I don’t remember any of this but it was the
beginning of a long fight, not only to live, but to recover as much of my former self as possible.
At the time of the injury I was 29 years old.
Now, almost 10 years post injury I have come a very long way. My short term memory
is seriously impaired so I cannot stay alone. I have a wonderful caregiver who helps me
during the weekdays where I live in a condominium my parents purchased for me. I spend
every weekend with my parents in their home. My brother lives close by so I also get to see
him every week. I like to read and write letters to my cousins and friends. I like to play the
harmonica. My left hand does not work so I can’t play the guitar any more. I walk a lot in my
parent’s driveway so I do get as much exercise as possible and I do still enjoy getting in the
swimming pool. I like to help my parents with vacuuming and washing their cars and my
mom says I do a great job. I do wish I could have a job and would like very much to help other
people but my TBI limits my options.
The subject of my art is the Fleur-de-Lis, a French emblem resembling an iris or a lily. I
drew the pattern and then traced it onto the canvas. I love the purple, green and gold colors
of Mardi Gras. I used beads that I had caught in parades, cut them and glued them to the
canvas.
“UNCLE WOOSIE’S ANGEL”
BY
MEGAN MARIE COOK
VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI
Megan was born October 5, 1980 in Vicksburg, the daughter of Dr. James W.
and Mrs. Naomi Paquette Cook. She was a beautiful young child and had many
accomplishments to her credit. She graduated from St. Aloysius High School where she
was a member of the National Honor Society, the Yearbook Staff, the French Club and
the Environmental Club. She was also a homecoming maid, a cheerleader, on the
basketball team and the track team.
Megan attended the College of Charleston her freshman year and transferred
the next year to the University of Mississippi. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Journalism/Studio Art. She studied abroad in Cannes, France in the summer of 2002
and graduated from Ole Miss in 2003 where she was on the Dean’s List.
After graduation, Megan moved to Dallas, where she worked for a year before
taking post-graduate courses in 2004 to prepare her to attend ultrasound school in
Pensacola at the Florida Institute of Ultrasound. In 2005, Megan was on her way from
Pensacola to Vicksburg on March 26th, when her car went out of control near Jackson,
and she was critically injured, suffering severe head injuries requiring a craniectomy
during a 10-day coma with several months of hospitalization at University Medical
Center and Methodist Rehabilitation Center as well as additional surgeries for
ventricular shunting and skull reconstruction.
Megan’s recovery has been very slow, but she has never given up. She has been
to therapy after therapy with a smile, and with the help of her family and friends, she is
winning the battle! She is in the Quest program in outpatient therapy. She works at
Beechwood Elementary School and was recently voted into the Junior Auxiliary of
Vicksburg. Megan loves angels and has created many paintings and taken many photos
of angels.
“SEMPER-FI”
“HEAVILY BURDENED”
BY
ADINA WELKER
BRANDON, MISSISSIPPI
My name is Adina Walker, and I am a 37-year-old woman with a husband, three
teenage kids, a dog and a cat. I have brown hair, brown eyes, a crooked smile, and I
laugh too loudly. I cry over animal cruelty commercials. I love high heels and the color
red, and my mother is who I’d like to grow up to be. I am proud of my daddy, my
husband is my hero and my children are my motivation. I am not afraid. I am a
fighter. I am strong, and I am broken.
In May, 1999 I was in a freak accident and sustained damage to my head, neck
and shoulder. We didn’t realize how badly my brain was damaged because the CT
didn’t show any major bleeds. We attributed my deficits to the painkillers I was taking
for years after the accident. So four years after the accident, I stopped taking the pain
killers but still kept having issues with confusion, forgetfulness and talking. I was
losing track of days. I would forget to feed the puppies.
We didn’t know I had brain damage. Life simply wasn’t adding up. We were
blessed to stumble upon a doctor who heard what I was saying and dug until he finally
began putting the puzzle together. He found a test that shed some light on what was
happening. We have found a medicine regimen that helps and have developed a
lifestyle where I can have freedom within the bounds of protection.
Grace covered my gaps. My children have learned compassion, endurance and
that appearances are deceiving and to look deeper into a person. My husband is
learning to fall in love with the girl he was left with, not the one he married. I’ve finally
seen me, and I like her. She’s clumsy, loud, opinionated and stubborn. I am often
wrong, but I’m often right. I love fiercely, and I am who I am, and I will not apologize.
I fight hard, and I know Grace deeply. I am flawed, broken, beautiful and strong! I
have walked through a deep, dark valley, but I have not walked alone. I am loved. I am
me.
“DUCK POND”
BY
KWASI FREEMAN
TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI
Kwasi Freeman is from Tupelo, and he is thirty-three years old. Kwasi is a new
artist. He has made a little paint studio in his house.
He loves to paint now. He has never painted before, but he has found a new
hobby and will see where it goes. His MJD ataxia gives him trouble with his speech and
balance. He is fighting sickle cell anemia. Kwasi uses a walker to get around.
Kwasi says, “I’m still Kwasi Freeman.” Nothing is going to stop Kwasi from doing
what he wants to do.
“GREEN BOTTLE BLAST”
“SPAGHETTI”
BY
CASEY
VERONA, MISSISSIPPI
Casey is a wonderful student who has a great time in art class. She is from
Verona, MS, and this is her second year in Our Artworks. Casey never misses an art
class if she can help it.
She is fun to be around, and she comes to class full of energy and happiness.
Casey enjoys painting using pinks and blues. She also likes to use glitter and glue
beads on her paintings. Casey brightens up the class every time she is there.
When Casey is not painting, she loves playing with her guinea pig and listening to
the Jonas Brothers.
ARTWORK
BY
THOMAS GABRIEL SMITH
FLORENCE, MISSISSIPPI
Gabriel Smith is a ten year old little boy who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in
January 2010. He had surgery April 13, 2010 to remove the tumor. He has had to learn
to walk again. His right side is very weak. He was in the hospital for ten days and had
to go to physical therapy for three months. He is still in occupational therapy.
He has a learning disability and still cannot read. He goes to speech therapy
twice a week. He was very brave going into surgery and doesn’t remember a lot of the
bad stuff. He does remember his nurse, Micah, and he would like to revisit her one
day. He can ride his bike and scooter now. He can also ride a RipStik. He has a very
positive attitude. God has given Gabriel a miracle, and God left Gabriel here for a
special purpose. His mom, dad, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and
everyone else he comes into contact with thinks he’s a pretty special guy!
ARTWORK
BY
CYNTHIA HOWARD
CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI
Cynthia, who goes by Cindy, is the oldest of three children born to Carl and
Leavern Howard of Crystal Springs, MS. She is forty-nine years old, and she is a
registered medical technologist working in infection control and prevention at the
University of Mississippi Medical Center.
In December, 2009, she was diagnosed with viral meningitis. The meningitis was
not treated since it was a viral syndrome. What the meningitis caused was shaking in
the lower extremities to the point of needing to use a can and then a walker for balance
when she walked.
By the summer of 2010, the shaking and imbalance got worse. In December
2010, she had a follow up appointment with her neurosurgeon, Dr. Louis Harkey, who
listened to her and did further testing based on her symptoms. He found
hydrocephalus on a CT scan, a disturbance of formation flow or absorption of
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that leads to an increase in volume occupied by this fluid in
the CSF. It was determined that an inflammatory disorder was causing the CSF not to
leave the cranial area and that a VP shunt was needed to drain the fluid from her brain
into her stomach.
The hydrocephalus caused dizziness to the point of nausea and vomiting upon
movement. As this worsened, she became so weak that she was falling. She was taken
to the emergency room several times for dehydration and on the last trip was kept for
further observation.
Since her last surgery on February 15, 2011, she has improved and gotten
stronger since the placement of the shunt. It has been a slow going recovery and
therapy. Many thanks to the doctors, nurses and therapists at University
Rehabilitation Center for all the work they have done for her and others like her. “They
are top notch,” she says.
ARTWORK
BY
CLIFTON VIRGINIA STEWART
CARTHAGE, MISSISSIPPI
Ms. Clifton Virginia Stewart is from Carthage, Mississippi, and she has five
children, eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In her free time, she
attends Carthage Behavioral Center where she enjoys painting and making pot holders.
She had a stroke in February 2011. She is working hard in therapy at the University
Rehabilitation Center to be able to go back to school at Carthage Behavioral Center.
ARTWORK
BY
JUDY HODGE
TAYLORSVILLE, MISSISSIPPI
Mrs. Judy Hodge is from Taylorsville, Mississippi. She enjoys spending time with
her family: husband, Gary, two children, Tarrah and Sonny and grand-daughter Ella
Claire. Her hobbies include painting and floating on a raft in the swimming pool. Mrs.
Hodge had a stroke in February 2011. She is working hard in therapy at the University
Rehabilitation Center so she can get back to cooking catfish and coleslaw.
“MY TBI”
BY
SHANE HOWELL
CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI
On January 29, 2010, Shane was working at the Renaissance in the Coldwater
Creek store. He was building a wall in a scissor life approximately twelve and a half
feet up. He was standing on the extension basket that let out the life and it broke and
threw Shane over the side, falling head first on concrete. The basket that broke landed
on top of him.
He was taken to the University of Mississippi Medical Center where he was in a
drug induced coma for two and a half weeks because of swelling in the brain. He also
had multiple facial fractures and seven broken ribs. He was on a ventilator, had a
feeding tube and was on multiple medications while spending three weeks in ICU. After
Shane awoke and the ventilator and feeding tube were removed, he was transferred to
Methodist Rehabilitation Center to start therapy. He was in physical, occupation,
speech and vocational therapy. He had to basically relearn to walk, talk and feed
himself. It was a struggle at first because he did not know why all of this was
happening. He remembers nothing from the day of the accident and nothing of half the
day before. He was a MRC for two weeks and then was finally ready to go home. He
has been recovering at home with a few minor setbacks.
He is not able to drive because he had a seizure in July of 2010. One of the
doctors that Shane saw took him off of his seizure medicines too fast. Shane has to be
seizure free for one year before he can drive again. He is still not able to go back to
work. He recently found out that he will have to take seizure medication for the rest of
his life. “But that’s ok,” Shane says. “I’m lucky to be here. I thank God for the doctors,
nurses, therapists and my wonderful family for being there for me and pushing me to
get back on my feet. My wife, Wendy, is so special to me. She is truly my soul mate,
and without her I couldn’t have given it my all. Everyone tells me that I’m a miracle,
and I believe that I am. God has truly blessed our lives. Thanks to the Brain Injury
Association of Mississippi for giving me this opportunity to tell my story.”
ARTWORK
BY
WILLIE ALFONDA ROBINSON
INDIANOLA, MISSISSIPPI
Willie A. Robinson, a thirty-nine year old man, was involved in a motorcycle
accident in 2005. Willie was supervisor in the lab, had a full medical scholarship to
Vanderbilt College and would have been a doctor someday. He has a black belt in
karate. Since his injury, family members won’t try to deal with the situation, which
makes things harder, but we pray. As his oldest sister, I’ll try to stick with it to the end.
ARTWORK
BY
MELISSA WESTMORELAND
BLUE SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI
Melissa Westmoreland is thirty-eight years old. She has a sixteen year old
daughter, Kiersten, and a twelve-year-old son, Jake. She has been married for eighteen
years and enjoys reading, drawing and shopping.
ARTWORK
BY
ROBERT L. MOSES
MAGNOLIA, MISSISSIPPI
Robert is a native of Mississippi. He was born and raised in Magnolia,
Mississippi. He is married, and they have four children, two boys and two girls. For
the past thirty years, he has lived in Louisiana. He worked for the USDA (United States
Department of Agriculture) in Baton Rouge, LA until his stroke in September 2010. In
August 2010, he had plans to retire.
He graduated from Alcorn State University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science
Degree in Agriculture. He is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He enjoys
reading and sports. His favorite sports persons of all times are Muhammad Ali and
Steve McNair. He takes pleasure in traveling and spending time with his family.
It has been somewhat hard for Robert since his stroke. He had his first stroke ten
years ago, and he was able to function quite well until this last stroke in September
2010. It is not easy when you have to learn how to walk, talk and do other things all
over again. However, he keeps on trying and working hard no matter how many
setbacks he has. Also, it can be especially hard when you are used to doing everything
for yourself. Robert is not a dependent person, so it’s even harder for him, but he tries
to remember, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
ARTWORK
BY
CATHERINE ABADIE
HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI
Catherine is eighteen years old and attends Petal High School. She lives in
Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She is a student athletic trainer for our football team and has
been for many years. She is a patient at Methodist Rehabilitation Center following her
terrible car accident.
“LONELINESS”
“HAPPINESS”
BY
BRENDA ALEXANDER
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
Brenda Alexander had a stroke on August 15, 2010. She has produced a picture
for “Goodwill to All Men.” She chose to paint “Loneliness” to try and recreate a similar
painting that she painted as a young teenager.
Brenda also painted “Happiness.” She chose to paint what happiness can be to
her. It’s all about finding the light in between the darkness.
Her therapy has been great and the therapists at Quest are all wonderful!
“FLEUR DE LIS”
“COLONEL REBEL”
BY
JOEY GARRARD
RICHLAND, MISSISSIPPI
Joey Garrard had surgery on May 7, 2009 to remove a malignant brain tumor.
His left side was completely paralyzed after this surgery. He has been participating in
therapy at Quest since this time. He enjoys designing mosaics during his spare time.
“COUNTRY CREEK”
BY
LARRY WALKER
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
Larry Walker had a stroke on December 20, 2010. He is in rehab therapy now,
and he is progressing pretty well thanks to Quest. He chose to paint the “Country
Creek” because it reminds him of his childhood and fishing with his friends.
“HOPE”
BY
MEGAN HALL
SUMMIT, MISSISSIPPI
Megan Hall had an ATV accident on January 15 2011. It caused her to suffer a
traumatic brain injury. It really has changed her life in so many ways. This picture gives
her hope because she knows the only reason she is here today is because of God, and
things will get better as long as she has hope and doesn’t give up.
“COLORS OF THE MIND”
BY
PERCY WOODBERRY
CANTON, MISSISSIPPI
Percy Woodberry had a stroke on November 16, 2009. It affected the right side
of his body because of bleeding in his brain. He chose to paint the brain and the
different parts of the brain so others could learn more about what happened to him. He
did not understand how the brain affected his whole life before this happened. The
brain is an amazing and beautiful thing. God has blessed him with the colors of the
mind.
“OIL SPILL”
BY
JAMES DEWBERRY – VA BILOXI
BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI
“A PRAYER FOR VETERANS”
BY
GLEN LEE HAFFORD – VA BILOXI
BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI
This is supposed to be the land of the free which is bull ditty cause we all served our country,
and yet, we get treated with the utmost disrespect. They have taken all self-esteem from us. I made
one mistake, and I feel like I’m in a POW camp for veterans. I gave my life for these people, and I get
treated like some ignorant little person. I didn’t ask for this stroke, and it is not my fault if I fall
sometimes because it is to be expected from a stroke victim. At least I didn’t fall from a gunshot blast.
I haven’t fallen one time yet other than crawling down onto the floor to help a fellow veteran, and it is
considered a fall. That is wrong and immoral. I feel so abused right now. I miss my wife who has
been the only one who has tried to make me feel wanted and appreciated in this good ole U.S. of A. I
am here for therapy to learn to be independent yet the more I get independent the more I get set back
which makes me feel like giving up everything, but I can’t cause I have a very special and precious wife
to take care of and will do so when I get out of this place.
Nobody here knows me and probably never knew me yet I ‘m supposed to be treated like the
enemy here or made to feel illiterate and helpless. I used to be so very independent, and now I guess I
must face the fact that I will not be anymore so what is the use of therapy if I cannot exercise what I’ve
learned. It is because I’m half Japanese, maybe. So, I thought that war was over a long time ago. I
can’t even talk to my friends or go downstairs with them. That’s being a prisoner of selfish and
heartless people who still haven’t realized that the war is over with the Japanese. I will always risk my
life for another U.S. citizen, and now I’m being punished for that and accused of seeing and hearing
things when I am not. I just want to quit, but I can’t, and I will not give up. Life is too darn precious
to give up. I really do hope I don’t get depressed because it’s not a good feeling to be depressed. I can
walk already. I was told I would never walk again, but I fooled them. My doctor was so tickled because
I could move my foot and leg. He would come and see me in the mornings just to see my foot move to
get his day going.
The stroke damaged the right side of my brain, but where there is a will there is a way. It’s all
in the good Lord’s hands now. I pray I get another chance in life. This is how I feel right now. I
walked into this place, and I’m walking out of it. My wheelchair is a part of my life now, and they take
a part of me each night. I feel safe when I see my chair by my bed, and I feel so lost without it. I wish
I could do something about it. I just want to give up, but I can’t. The only people here that make me
feel like anything good are my therapists and my wife. I feel so empty right now. I can’t even be with
my friends who fought beside me who I trust my life to. I will have a new lease on life attitude until
these people are breaking my spirits. It is so wrong, and it’s not my fault. So just live a good life and
keep helping others and God forbid you get a stroke or something.
My mother is from Japan, but she lives in North Carolina. I still have aunts and uncles in
Japan so I am so concerned to know if they are okay. Please, God, help Japan for they are no longer
our enemies. May something good be able to come from the earthquake and the losses of life from the
tsunami. May we never be enemies again, but brothers for a common good.
PEACE, LOVE AND ROCK ‘N’ ROLL”
BY
LARRY LEWIS – VA BILOXI
BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI
I support the troops and wish they all could be home. My prayers are with them.
“THE OLD RUGGED CROSS”
BY
JAN NASH
FLORENCE, MISSISSIPPI
My name is Jan Nash. I am a 48 year old mother of two and grandmother of one.
I suffered an acquired brain injury in 1997 at the age of 35. I was employed by the State
of Mississippi, and due to my debilitating injury, I had to retire. After having been
confined to a wheelchair for over fourteen years, I find that life is what you make of it
NOT what you do. I enjoy internet surfing and learning and trying new things. I have
been fortunate to enjoy the pastimes of bowling and dance through the world of being
disabled. Brain injury can lift your expectations and take an individual to heights never
before expected! Relish in the moment.
ARTWORK
BY
ROCHELLE GRAY
RAYMOND, MISSISSIPPI
METHODIST REHABILITATION CENTER
Rochelle Gray is 48 years old from Raymond, Mississippi. Rochelle is a
patient at Methodist Rehabilitation Center following a CVA in January 2011. Rochelle
loves talking care of her horses and dogs, gardening, listening to music and enjoying
the outdoors.
“I AM ME – STILL”
BY
LAURA MOON
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
Laura Elizabeth Moon, age 24, experienced an anoxic brain injury on June 21,
2009. She spent 5 months at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia and is now living
at home in Jackson with her mother, Kathy. Laura is currently in outpatient therapy
four days a week, receiving speech, occupational and physical therapy. In addition, she
receives interactive metronome therapy in the home. While Laura is still unable to
walk, we remain ever-hopeful that she will soon. She has regained use of her arms and
hands, although they are still very weak. Cognitively, she has improved significantly,
although short term memory and a very short attention span are continuing issues.
At the time of her injury, Laura was a senior at the University of Mississippi
where she was majoring in Broadcast Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations.
She is 4 hours away from completing her degree. She was active in her sorority, Phi
Mu, and was looking forward to whatever her future was going to bring her. For now,
Laura is facing her many challenges with determination and resolve to see
improvements in her abilities every day.
ARTWORK
BY
JAMES E. DEVOUAL
VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI
METHODIST REHABILITATION CENTER
James E. Devoual, a native of Claiborne County, loves helping people. He
has a great sense of humor. He works at a family health center in Claiborne County as
a C.O.F.
“LIFE”
BY
ZETH MAYEAUX
MORTON, MISSISSIPPI
My name is Zeth Mayeaux. In 2009, I was involved in an accident. My friends
and I were riding in the back of a truck when another vehicle hit us. I was thrown from
the truck and have a brain injury because of hitting my head on the pavement. I have
been participating in therapy at Quest since this time. I did not know what my picture
would be when I started painting, but as you can see it is about earth and heaven in this
LIFE.
ARTWORK
BY
EMILY GAGE LUDT
PEARL, MISSISSIPPI
Emily Ludt is from Pearl, Mississippi. She attended Belhaven University and
graduated from Mississippi College with a degree in elementary education. She was an
elementary school teacher for many years. Emily has been married to Walter for over
thirty years. Together they have five children and fourteen grandchildren. She has
always been very artistic. At one time in her life, she played the piano fluently as well
as designed and made bridesmaid dresses.
In 1995, Emily was diagnosed with angina and had an aortic valve replacement.
She developed endocarditus, and as a result of this, a blood clot formed causing her to
have a significant stroke. After the stroke, she lost all ability on her right side. Emily
participated in rehabilitation at St. Dominic’s Health Services and was later transferred
to Methodist Rehabilitation Center for more extensive rehab. Due to the stroke, it is
hard for Emily to read and talk.
One day, Emily noticed an article in the paper and the ad was regarding a lady
who was giving art lessons. The art teacher was from New Orleans and had come to
Jackson after Hurricane Katrina. Emily then started taking art lessons from this lady.
Unfortunately for Emily, the art teacher had to return to New Orleans. She found,
however, a new art teacher who was so kind and taught Emily art in her own home.
She continued art for quite some time and has really developed a talent.
Since her stroke, Emily has broken her leg. She had to return to Methodist
Rehabilitation Center for rehab. She is continuing her rehabilitation as a patient at St.
Dominic’s Outpatient Rehab. She is a member of the St. Dominic Stroke Support
Group.
“THE CROSS”
BY
ASHONDRA McCLENDON
My name is Ashondra McClendon, and I suffered a stroke on October 19, 2010.
My painting is of a cross and peace is what it represents to me. The same peace of
knowing God has gotten me through everything I have been through.
“THE REMINDER OF THE MIND”
BY
EARL DIXON
My name is Earl Dixon, and I had a stroke on December 28, 2010. My picture
focuses on the mind and reminds me that I should have never taken how important it is
for granted. After everything I have been through, I feel very blessed.
“SMITH LAKE”
BY
JUDITH RHODES
My name is Judith Rhodes, and I had a stroke on January 13, 2010. My picture
is about a peaceful place that I can go to be myself and relax.
I am thankful for the therapy I have received, and I am getting better everyday.
ARTWORK
BY
KALA HARVEY
My name is Kala Harvey. I am twenty years old, and I was in an accident when I
was eighteen. Jesus has always been my priority, but my relationship with him got
better after the accident. This is why I did this painting. I am trying to show my belief
in Jesus.
ARTWORK
BY
JANICE WALKER
My name is Janice Walker. I am sixty-one years old. I had surgery for an
aneurysm repair on February 08, 2010. I have been doing my rehab at Quest. I enjoy
planting flowers, being outside, working in the garden and going fishing. I painted this
because we are thankful to Jesus that I am still here. YIPPEE!!!!!!!