Sharing her time + talent with CF kids!
Can we just gush about Ms. Katie for a minute?
Katie has had a very personal experience with Cystic Fibrosis. In December, 2015, her beloved twelve year old niece Gracelyn lost her battle with cystic fibrosis after a long and courageous fight. In an ironic twist of fate (or maybe not so ironic), her husband Nick now works for the Charlotte Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Cystic Fibrosis kids are so susceptible to infections that they are often isolated from other kids, and it’s challenging be out and about, doing things like other kids, least of all, attending art class! Katie has been inspired to share her time and talent as an art teacher to facilitate private one-on-one painting dates with local CF fighters.
If asked, Katie wouldn’t take an iota of creative credit and would say all she is doing is pouring paint and refreshing their rinse water. She would say that these kids teach her way more than she could ever teach them. But she is pouring way more than paint during these sessions. She is pouring out her heart and soul, her infectious creative energy and spirt, and (I believe) her love for Gracelyn. And it’s obvious that Gracelyn’s spirit is pouring out through her. It’s truly remarkable and utterly awe-inspiring.
Last Saturday, a piece made by her first charlotte CF Fighter student Palmer, was auctioned off for $36,000. THIRTY. SIX. THOUSAND. DOLLARS. Goosebumps. I hope little miss Palmer and everyone who witnessed this amazing moment and are working so hard to make a difference, are still floating on air!
Watch the exciting video about the momentous event with Derek James from WCCB-TV here.