This self-portrait titled “Me and the Sunset” was done by Kennedy in a sickle cell art therapy support group.  This bright, vivid oil crayon picture displays her as a happy and well cared for child.  Kennedy lives with her retired grandparents and mother and enjoys reading, cheerleading, playing piano, and watching her favorite TV show That’s so Raven.  She especially enjoys playing with her twin sister, Kiah, who also has sickle cell disease. 

In a sickle cell art therapy support group, Kiah drew herself at a fantasy mall where she can walk to all of their favorite stores.  This picture depicts Kiah and her twin sister participating in her favorite activity - shopping.  Kiah also enjoys reading, cheerleading and bossing her twin sister around and dreams of being a teacher.  Kiah has been quoted saying “Even though I have sickle cell disease, I still do what other kids do – have fun!” 

This drawing by Blake is the depiction of the memory of his first hospitalization. Notice the sun and the cross as signs of hope as he enters treatment.  Diagnosed at birth with sickle cell, Blake is a kid who is learning to defeat all odds. He’s caring, warm, and loving to family and friends, but a standup kid for things that are right and fair for others.  Blake’s pastimes include attending church, spending time with family, biking, fishing, drawing, hunting, collecting exotic model cars, playing video games, and sports.  Known at school as the laid back kid, his cool demeanor is a delight to his friends and teachers. Blake dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer with a desire to design a truck, or car, chromed out with 22-inch wheels. Blake enjoys life, and when you hear his prayer you know he has faith in God.

This color pencil drawing by Blake just before Christmas, and before his first blood transfusion, indicates lack of physical energy and interest in his surroundings. Notice the difference in the drawing below that was done two days after his blood transfusion. 

This color pencil drawing was done by Blake two days after his first blood transfusion, stands in stark contrast to the one above.  He used the majority of the picture plane, multiple colors and heavy pencil pressure and even filled in solid shapes.