On March 3, 2016, we received an email from Kjersten, 18 years of age, who received one of Alyssa’s SAKs a few months ago when she stayed at the RMH near Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. She wanted to thank us for the art kit.
Kjersten was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia 2 years ago at the age of 16. She told us of her love for music and singing, just like Alyssa. Kjersten was never very confident in her abilities to express herself with visual art. However, when she received Alyssa’s Starter Art Kit (SAK) it really encouraged her to go out on a limb and try to be creative in a new way!
Kjersten attached a picture of her first painting because she wanted to share it with us. She made a copy of Picasso's Mediterranean Landscape as she is learning about Spanish art in school. Kjersten said, “I read Alyssa's story on the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope website and she is such an inspiration. Her story really touched my heart.”
On March 30, Yoli (AAFH President) and Christina (AAFH volunteer) visited Kjersten at her home in Gurnee, Illinois and delivered her blue Dr. Dre Beats and she was thrilled! She will be going to Lurie’s Children’s Hospital for her last chemo treatment this weekend and will be taking her blue Beats to listen to her favorite music!
