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Participants

"The art show was important to me because it helped me express my feeling about my sister. I did a dance because my sister and I always loved to dance and we both have been taking dance since we were younger. I also know that she would like for me to get big with my dancing so that is why I did that piece for other people." Janelle Duckett, age 12
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"I can't express myself how much I am thankful for what you have done. It makes me feel good to do something like this, because I can better express myself through art than by talking." Derek Rindner, age 12
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"The art show was so important to me because I love to show people how I dance and what I write. It means a lot to perform and read my story because I can show others what I have been through. I love to dance and write because I can express how I feel with dancing and writing." Karly Bais, age 10
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"The art show, for me, was a way to express the feelings about cancer and surviving that I normally can't express just because I feel like saying it. It was a way to open up and let out all feelings that might have been stuck inside a person for a while. It was also a way for those of us who are artistic to let out those feelings in the form of art and let others understand how we feel or felt about our illness or the illness a sibling or relative who have passed away had to deal with." Zibby Scrivani, age 15
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"I had a lot of fun and enjoyed performing for everyone. This show was very special, because I was able to see many different talents from people who also had cancer or knew people who did. Ever since I was a little girl I loved to perform. I would sing or dance for anyone, and I enjoyed it so much. When I do a painting or artwork I just try my best to be myself. Participating in this event has made me very appreciative of my life. This has also showed me that I am not the only one who has suffered with cancer." Aude Yosa Vallo, age 13
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"Being there and listening to all the other performers really gave me a lot of confidence in myself. I enjoyed performing our poem because I felt as if it became everyone else's poem." Shaun Field, age 12
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"The show really touched my family and I. It meant a lot to me. To send the message to those who are sick and to those who are caring for those who are sick 'to never give up,' 'the sun will come out tomorrow,' to always stay positive no matter what. To always be strong throughout any circumstances. I enjoy writing poetry because it allows me to express myself. I hope there are many more to come." Jonathan Rivera, age 15
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"I was astounded, humbled, and overwhelmed with the works of art displayed at Artworks. It is not a new discovery that suffering breeds creativity, but it is truly remarkable to see such a surge of artistry, passion, and emotion from young children. This forum provided many children that face life-threatening illnesses to express themselves, reach out to others, and inspire us all." Adam Scharfman, age 17
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"My favorite part was looking at the art. It was very exciting for me. I was very surprised because somebody with a very cool camera took a picture of me. Lots of people took pictures of me. It was exciting. Making the mask was funny and messy. Making the mask made me very happy." Daniel Nachum, age 5
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"Getting to perform at the Express Yourself event was one of the highlights of my year. I'm so grateful to Artworks for the chance to get up on stage and perform a song that really expresses all the things going inside of my head and heart. For me, music has a way of conveying a message so much better than just my spoken words." Peter Bremberg, age 21
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"I appreciate the opportunities Artworks has opened for me. I admire the other artists and performers for their confidence and talents. Photography is an outlet for me to express myself and keep my mind off of treatments, medication, and doctors. Thanks for introducing me to this wonderful foundation!" Katie Morone, age 17
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"One of the most important ways that I have found to express myself is through my artwork. In participating in Artworks I was given and was able to give a gift; I not only had the opportunity to share my artwork, but also got to embrace others. I think that this appreciative feeling came to me when we were all standing on the stage. I suddenly felt so comfortable, as if whatever lonely feeling I might have had in my life suddenly lessened, like I gained some security in seeing that I wasn't alone. Thank you for letting me be apart of ArtWorks." Sari Field, age 16
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"I really enjoyed the actual performance time. It was really inspiring to see all the different performers and to get the chance to share my own piece." Nick Currey, age 19
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"My favorite part of the day was meeting the other kids from different hospitals. I felt very proud that I was able to share what I did with other people. I hope I will be able to be part of the program next year." Kristen King, age 7
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"I felt like a celebrity-my picture was taken, my work was appreciated and I forgot for a little while about being sick." Cherise Lewis, age 19
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Healthcare Agencies

"The kids were so happy and proud of themselves. I think that your foundation and its mission is wonderful! I'd love to have our kids be part of your next show. Thanks again so much for making this happen and including the children at Weill Cornell. We really had a wonderful time!" Michele Neuhaus: Coordinator of Child Life Services, New York Weill Cornell Children's Hospital (Express Yourself-NY 2003)
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"I wanted to thank you for what was a beautiful, meaningful and fantastic day of celebration and expression." Ingrid Olsen-Gallagher: Senior Child Life Specialist, NYU Hospitals Center (Express Yourself-NY 2003)
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"Thank you for the opportunity to participate in a truly magical day!" Sue Cohen: Supervisor of Creative Arts Therapy, Tomorrows Children's Institute-Hackensack University Medical Center (Express Yourself-NY 2003)
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"I was so impressed with the whole show. You really made my kids feel special and heard. You also gave them a sense that they were not so isolated." Nickie Pedicini: Child Life Specialist, New York Weill Cornell Children's Hospital (Express Yourself-NY 2003)
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"The event was fabulous. I am so glad we were able to participate." Gloria Mattera: Child Life Director, Bellevue Hospital Center (Express Yourself-NY 2003)
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"I have witnessed how the arts allow children to express their inner most fears, frustrations, hopes, and gently lead them to realize what lays ahead for themselves and those they love. On March 9, 2003, this became apparent to all who were privileged to watch the children perform and exhibit their music, dance, poetry and art. I am convinced that ArtWorks will enable these courageous children with life-threatening and/or chronic disease to produce and exhibit their creations and through their eyes teach myriads the meaning of life." Michael B. Harris, M.D.: Director Tomorrows Children's Institute, Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital Hackensack University Medical Center (Express Yourself-NY 2003)
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"I would like to thank you for inviting our hospital to be part of such a wonderful experience. The ArtWorks show was an amazing opportunity for the children's artwork to be celebrated and appreciated. In our program, we value the importance of using creative arts modalities in helping children and families cope with hospitalization. Programs such as Artworks enable us to expand that work by providing a supportive forum in the community and by creating awareness about children dealing with chronic illness and hospitalization. It was a very therapeutic, valuable experience...I plan to encourage even more participation for next year's event." Marcy L. Mennella: Child Life Specialist, Mt. Sinai Hospital (Express Yourself-NY 2003)
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"The Express Yourself art show was absolutely an amazing event. It wasn't just an exhibit - it truly was a happening! Patients felt as if they were taken seriously as soon as they entered the space. The bereaved siblings have told me how pleased they are that they participated. It became a process for them, from the time of preparation of their dance piece through the climactic performance itself and including the thoughtful aftermath when they shared with their close friends and family members' feelings and memories. One bereaved mother told me that it was 'a turning point for the family'. A patient of ours was able to show the staff a different side of her - the graceful dancer, leaping through the air - rather than the sad patient stuck in her hospital bed. Perhaps Naomi wasn't able to survive physically but she is changing the percentages of how many children and young adults can tell positive tales about their experiences with serious illnesses." Ellen Goldring: Child Life Specialist, Tomorrows Children's Institute-Hackensack University Medical Center (Express Yourself-NY 2003)
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"Being a part of the show, as the music therapist, allowed me to really see my patients experience a normal life outside of clinical, therapeutic interventions through the creative arts.The performances that these patients did, allowed them to have their confidence and self esteem grow, and gave each one their own special voice to process their journey that may have been stifling for many years or even lost. I would love to be apart of this event again in order to allow other patients to experience something beyond their clinical environment. Also to remind each one that they are more than just a disease, and they can take back some control in their life in a way words, medicine, and therapy may fall short of on some level." Faiona Milwood: Music Therapist, Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center (Express Yourself-NJ 2003)
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"I think that Artworks, Express Yourself-NJ is truly wonderful. I can't wait to attend next year, thanks for making this possible and for giving our kids opportunities the might have not had." Rebecca Hirsh: Child Life Specialist, Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (Express Yourself-NJ 2003)
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"It was a pleasure not only to refer patients to participate but also to attend the event. The talent that was displayed whether in print, or through expressive dance and vocals, was amazing. I looked around the room and saw both tears as well as smiles. The tears I am sure were for the sheer delight it was to see children and adolescents shine so bright on that day. It gave all who participated such a feeling of accomplishment to see their work valued and displayed in such a prestigious venue. You helped to replace those tears with smiles of joy for all." Lisa Ciarroca: Child Life Coordinator, The Children's Medical Center at Morristown & Overlook (Express Yourself-NJ 2003)
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"Express Yourself was a wonderful exhibit. The staff that attended the event each told me they were impressed with the exhibit and thought the show was a wonderful therapeutic tool. I would be happy to encourage our patients to participate next year. Art itself is a great way of encouraging expression in pediatrics. The process of making the art appeared beneficial to those patients. I think both the participants and those who attended really benefited from the whole experience on multiple levels. One of our long-term care patients who attended is normally very reluctant to participate and even if he does enjoy himself, won't admit it. He had such a good time, that he actually thanked me for bringing him to the event yesterday!" Christina Johnson: Child Life Specialist, Children's Specialized Hospital (Express Yourself-NJ 2003)
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"The show allowed our children to shine and be a star for the day. It provided them with a creative outlet to share their experience with others. The show introduced the public to their world and increased awareness that children with chronic illness do feel and need an opportunity to express those feelings in a positive manner." Troy Pinkney-Ragsdale: Director of Child Life Program, The Children's Hospital at Montefiore (Express Yourself-NY 2004)
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"Wow! Wow! Wow! While art and illness can both be such individual journeys, your 'Express Yourself' event creates a community and a conversation that validates and empowers our kids in an equally spectacular and supportive way!" Natrisha Bayer: Child Life Specialist, The Valerie Fund Children's Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (Express Yourself-NJ 2004)
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"The Saint Barnabas Medical Center staff, children and families, felt that the event was a heart-warming experience and we were thankful to be part of it. The children and families had expressed themselves through the use of the Creative Arts and were excited that their creations were going to be displayed and performed. The families who watched and felt proud and the children who participated felt heard." Beth Rubin: Art Therapist, Saint Barnabas Medical Center (Express Yourself-NJ 2004)
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"Thank you for allowing the patients at St. Joseph's to be part of such a wonderful event. I was so glad I was able to attend the show and see the day from a first hand glance. The artwork was fabulous and the performances were very touching. It always amazes me to see the strength of the children and teens who are living with an illness." Tiffany Andiloro: Child Life Specialist, Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital (Express Yourself-NJ 2004)
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"Seeing the pride on my patient's faces when they received special recognition as artists from their community was incredibly touching. Being able to support and facilitate such a magnificent opportunity for these children really validated my work as a budding art therapist. I look forward to many more future shows with ArtWorks." Willow Troy: Child Life Art Therapist, The Mount Sinai Medical Center (Express Yourself-NY 2005)
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"ArtWorks provides a forum for our patients to express themselves that would not otherwise be available. Nothing compares to the look on a child's face when they see their drawing framed and hanging in a gallery with hundreds of people stopping to look at it! It is amazing to see the confidence with which these young people get up on stage and express themselves through music, song, and dance. They receive the standing ovations but we (the audience) are changed forever!" Meghan D. Kelly: Child Life Director, The Children's Hospital at Montefiore (Express Yourself-NY 2005)
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"I've been in the field of Child Life for about twenty years, but I was inspired today as if I just started. We had a large turnout of families from Mt. Sinai which was fantastic; but hearing and seeing children from other hospitals was just as great. I'm already planning what I can do with patients tomorrow for the next show." Joyce Behar: Child Life Coordinator, Mount Sinai Children's Hospital (Express Yourself-NY 2005)
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Parents

"Thank you for the most amazing afternoon. I still can't believe what an impact the whole thing had on me. It is a wonderful and important mission you are on. I am Karly's mom. Karly read her story and then danced to Survivor. Thank you for giving her the opportunity to do what she loves. Dance is so very important to her. It always was but became more so when she was in the hospital. I think it was her best shot at being 'normal' again. Karly has been through a lot- six operations, radiation and chemotherapy in the last four years. She still is not without her problems but when she dances she leaves it all behind. She continues to write poetry also in coping with the deaths of her friends. Cancer is a double edged sword--you deal with your own and the cancers of those you become close to because you have cancer. Thank you for allowing Karly to have a forum for her feelings and for allowing us to share in a truly beautiful experience. Thank you again." Jamie Bais
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"The March 9, 2003 'Express Yourself' show allowed many parents, patients, friends, siblings and children who we remember to express their joy, laughter, fear, pain, sorrow and hope. It was an inspiring celebration that portrayed a loving, warm atmosphere in a truly meaningful form of self-expression. Many hearts were touched and I look forward to partaking in next year's exhibition and show." Paula Rindner
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"I wanted to tell people how important it is to us as bereaved parents to continue to remember our child in a positive way and to help our remaining children express themselves. It helped Jamie. She cried at the end after she read her poem, but even in the crying there was healing. Watching the kids singing and the others talk about surviving, it was sad but it gave us hope." Phyllis Davis
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"Celebrating with pride the brave and accomplished at survival. Embracing all colors, ages, shapes of experience, fought battles, hard won understanding. A rich venue for expression...a promise for the future. Sharing in honor, in memory...together. With all our heart!" Sheryl Field
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"The ArtWorks event was a celebration of life, survivorship, and a tribute to those children who have not survived. We are one of the fortunate families that is, every day, celebrating the life we have found out is so precious. We cannot 'put this experience behind us,' it is with us and we never want to forget seeing each of the participants express their experience in their own way. It was awesome. My husband and I had eyes welled with tears the whole time. For us personally, seeing friends we made in the hospital, and were in the parents group for those who lost a child, made us realize that no one is ever forgotten. As we hugged and cried Phyllis (who lost her daughter) said to me 'It is so important for us to see the children who have made it.' This kind of event allows us all, children and families to come together to celebrate through art and expression." Ena Scrivani
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"The experience was truly wonderful. When Daniel actually made the mask, it was a very difficult time for him. Creating his mask took his mind off what was happening at the hospital and allowed him to concentrate on something much more fun. He felt very proud to see his mask displayed so beautifully at the art exhibit. We made a very big deal out of it and his grandparents, cousins, aunt and uncle and friends were with his family to make him feel extra special. Daniel almost felt a need to 'sit guard' under his mask for a while. Cancer turned our world upside down. But there have been some positives. For Daniel, the art therapy program and the ability to express himself creatively really helped him get through some of the most difficult moments. Thank you so much for helping our son feel so proud and excited." Harriett & Jacob Nachum
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"Thank you for inviting and allowing our family to participate in ArtWorks, Express Yourself, event. It was an absolutely wonderful experience and the event truly was inspirational and one we will cherish forever. We appreciate the professionalism and courtesy shown to the artists and the kindness and generosity of all involved." Deborah Morone
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"When the Child Life Specialist told us about ArtWorks, I was ecstatic because it gave Zachary a chance to shine as a young artist. It became a wonderful outlet for him, as well as, to keep learning basic skills for development. Even weeks before he became an angel, he was creating. Art is the mean by which children can create, where there are no right or wrong answers regardless of age, sickness, emotion, etc. ArtWorks helped Zachary to foster his creativity and gave him a place to let people know that behind the 'bad guys' was a very creative and loving child with the determination, strength, and will that cannot be matched by any adult with years of experience." Kristen Fielder
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"I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the ArtWorks program that 'happened' at NYU. I was blown away by ArtWorks. The power behind the performances was awe inspiring. There was so much courage, thought and triumph in each individual who appeared center stage. The outlet you provided these kids to triumph, even briefly, over the battle raging in their bodies is priceless. I saw a Mom there whose daughter had died only a couple of weeks before. Her daughter had a self-portrait in the show. What a gift you gave her. Part of her daughter lived on in that show!" Nancy Currey
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"Being a part of Express Yourself is wonderful for the soul. It makes them forget for one day about their illness. It gives them a sense of accomplishment, joy, and that they're a part of something." Trudy Weiss
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"[Being a part of Express Yourself] meant a lot to my daughter. She felt it was one of the best experiences she has ever had. Performing in front of the audience gave her a strength deep inside." Cheryl Phillips
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