Julian is a 9-year-old boy who was diagnosed with craniopharyngioma (brain tumor) in April 2019 and is being treated at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL. He is an elementary student living on the south side of Chicago with his two older sisters as well as his Mom and Dad.
Julian learned about the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) through Lori Mackey, Art Therapist at Advocate Children’s Hospital. Lori submitted a gift request on the AAFH website and commented on what a fabulous painter at such a young age Julian is.
On Monday, June 10th, Yoli (AAFH President) delivered the art materials Julian requested just before he was set to be released to return home. His art materials included colored paints, brushes, canvases of different sizes, and a large standing easel with several trays for storing supplies. Julian was thrilled to receive all these items. Julian told Yoli that he liked to paint and wanted to start painting immediately upon receiving his materials. He also asked us if we could buy him a paint smock so he doesn’t get paint on his clothes. Before leaving, Julian leaned over to his Dad, Fernando, and asked him if he could give Yoli a hug. He also asked to keep Alyssa’s brochure. Julian’s warm enthusiasm and gratitude is exactly why we carry out the AAFH mission.
We told Julian that we hope he shares some of his artwork with us in the future and thereby spread the message of hope and joy even further.Whenever we share Alyssa’s love of art and music with others and see the positive impact it has on young patients, we are reminded of the important work of our Foundation.
