Bring healing art to kids in medical crisis

Fourteen-year-old Maceo has a sweet and thoughtful personality - a young man of few words, but boundless imagination. Long before Maceo’s hospital journey, he and his parents Grace and Opie integrated art into their lives as a way of marking, remembering, and honoring their family’s story. Maceo and Opie would engage in daily creative challenges where Maceo would give Opie an assignment to stretch his imagination, using a different medium and prompt each day. One wall of Maceo’s bedroom was filled with hundreds of drawings! A true testament to the prolific nature of their creative spirits.

Maceo and his parents came to know CHAP through Maceo’s stay at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. CHAP teaching artists Maxine and Carolyn visited with the family every week, providing a variety of art supplies and holding space for them during difficult times. While Maceo’s parents engaged in heartfelt conversations about life's journey, Maceo allowed his imagination to guide his hand, creating intricate lines, patterns, and marks on paper with fine-tipped markers. Accustomed to creating in their everyday lives, CHAP helped bridge the gap between home and hospital, facilitating familiar moments of comforting expression.

“It’s connection. It’s freedom. It’s the space to be something different and to escape from what’s going on.” - Grace, on making art with CHAP

During one special moment with CHAP, Grace crafted a fidget for Maceo. The fidget was adorned with carefully chosen, smooth beads that Maceo could hold during moments of uncertainty.  Maceo’s special fidget served as a reminder of his parents' love and helped soothe his anxieties. 

When Maceo was discharged from DCH, the family commemorated their journey by creating a collaborative art piece inspired by their time creating with CHAP in the hospital. Their art incorporates shapes that keep them grounded during difficult times and colors that bring them joy. When discussing their inspiration, the family evokes images of morning light and the warmth of the sun. Three figures adorn a pallet, representing each member of their family.

Maceo and his family are one of the thousands of children and families facing medical challenges that benefit each year from the healing power of art and CHAP services. Making art of any kind has the power to reduce stress, provide an emotional outlet, create a distraction, and even bring families together. We’re so glad we met Maceo and his family when we did so CHAP can support them throughout Maceo’s healing journey.

Links:

• Maceo, Opie, and Grace's story with CHAP