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MEET: Nine-year-old Reese

July 1, 2019 | By Rachel Zink

Reese with his hand-painted sign: “I beat Leukemia, not sorry. Reese :)”

Reese just turned nine years old, and he spends at least 21 days in the hospital each time he comes to receive his chemo treatments. By the end of the first week his walls, IV pole, and ceiling are covered in artwork. He has even started selling some of the art to his nurses, doctors, and visitors!

Reese wants to be an engineer when he grows up, so he especially loves Arts For Life projects that involve sculpture. He recently sculpted an accurate model of the solar system to hang in his hospital room! He’s well beyond his years in his artistic and innovative ability and is always up for a creative challenge.

When Reese finished his chemo, he rang the bell in his tuxedo that his mom had sewed for him, with a lime green bow tie and bright orange suspenders. He was surrounded by the medical team, therapy dog Sadie, his family, Tae Kwon Do friends, Scout friends, and even Santa Claus came. Really – Santa Claus, was there in his full suit and beard!

Reese’s IV Pole Sloth

Artist Spotlight

Tell us something really interesting about you:
I want to be an engineer when I grow up.

What’s something you’ve always dreamed of doing?
Skydiving. I also dreamed of being an American ninja warrior.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
To fly.

What’s your favorite kind of art to make? What kind of art are you good at?
Robots, I’m good at robot drawings.

What Arts For Life project has been your favorite to create? Why?
The 3D solar system, because I really like space and thinking about maybe being an astronaut.

Reese’s Penguin Color Wheel

What do you love about Arts For Life?
That they come to my room very often and I like to do art a lot.

What is something really funny or amazing that happened at the art table?
One time I was painting something I looked at something else and I painted all over my arm.

Why do you think art is important?
I feel happy when I do art, and it’s fun.

What is something you’re thankful for right now at this very minute.
That I get to ring the bell soon and this is my LAST CHEMO!

What is your wish for this year?
To go camping, and get my black belt in karate. I already have my red belt.