Throughout the year, the ArtWorks community meets a Young Artist from one of our programs who has used the creative and performing arts to help them cope with their illness.
“Cancer does not define me. You are still you, you control your own story.”
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Chiara, from the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, has held the joy and the artistry of dance close to her heart throughout her whole life. Before being diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare cancer that occurs in and around the bones, Chiara danced professionally with the Washington Ballet. Although her illness has tested her in ways she never expected, it has led Chiara to experience arts programming in a unique way. In turn, she has found inspiration, empowerment and healing through the arts.
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Her parents say:
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“Even though her life has changed drastically, her spirit is still strong. She uses her art as a creative expression of what she feels at the moment and how she has conquered this momentary challenge in her life.”
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“Bold” by Chiara (2018) was exhibited at this year’s Express Yourself event which marked her first time participating in an ArtWorks program. She has since leaned heavily on the arts as she navigates through her diagnosis. Chiara has found her voice through her artistic journey and hopes that she will not only dance again but inspire others to not let cancer define them.
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