Whether through video, painting or poetry, art can provide a powerful outlet for your emotions and serve as a resource to other teens dealing with this devastating disease.
Learn storytelling tips from ALSO US creative experts in photography, film, poetry and design to help bring your story to life through art
You may find inspiration in other teens and young adults who are currently collaborating with experts to develop original artwork*
Explore how the principles of art therapy can help emotional expression and connect people coping with similar situations
Submit your original artwork to be featured on the upcoming ALSO US digital showcase
For me, one of the greatest challenges of having a parent with ALS was the difficulty of explaining the logistics of the disease—how my dad was suffering and, by default, how the family was suffering. Because my dad's symptoms changed daily, many people did not understand what was wrong with him or how they could help, especially in the early stages. It is a uniquely cruel disease that you unfortunately have to experience to truly understand.
When caring for a parent with ALS, the expected child/adult roles are quickly reversed. When I was little my family would make fun at how small my dad would cut up my food for me, because he was scared I would choke. It was surreal when I was cutting his food up for him into tiny pieces just years later. While I didn't know it at the time, filming this documentary on my dad was a way to immortalize his spirit.
In 2011 I lost my cousin to ALS. Seeing how that impacted my entire family has inspired my work. As a licensed and board certified art therapist, I help others express their experiences and feelings through art. One of my favorite quotes is from Kurt Vonnegut who once said 'practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow.'”
I’ve seen firsthand that teens who have a loved one with ALS face a unique set of challenges. I encourage you to share your own perspectives by expressing a thought or feeling through art, with the hope that your creativity will lend support and offer strength to others, as well as yourself. It takes a village to battle ALS, and you’re not alone.”
It’s often hard for teens and young adults to express how they’re feeling and how they’ve been impacted when a loved one has been diagnosed with ALS.
*The opportunity to partner with a creative expert passed on January 22, 2019