Type of Media
Photography/Digital Art

Artist Statement
I have always loved photography and was motivated to become better at it after having my daughter in 2014 and wanting to document her life. Six months before I was diagnosed with my tumor, I took a manual DSL photography course, so that I could completely control all aspects of my images. It was during this time that I really started to notice my vision loss, which my brain had been compensating for, for a long time. My biggest fear was losing my eyesight and not getting to see my daughter grow or document these special years. I am beyond grateful for surgery restoring my vision and life and allowing me to continue my photography passion. Six months after my surgery and delicate recovery, I began photographing other families and newborns. The joy in capturing these special time for families is priceless. I think that is part of why photography is my favorite form of art...capturing real, raw connections and moments that will last a lifetime is an amazing feeling. I heard of Art of Surviving through the Pituitary Tumor Support and Education group and am so happy to see and share my art with other survivors!

Bio
My name is Kristin Vucina, 39, from Ellicott City, Maryland. My arachnoid brain cyst was first diagnosed in November 2016, though I suffered with issues from it for many years. It was finally properly diagnosed after I lost complete peripheral vision and had a MRI. It was 3cm and completing swishing my optic chasm and nerves. A few weeks later I underwent transnasal brain surgery at Johns Hopkins University to remove the cyst. Belly fat was used to help prevent the cyst from regrowing. I immediately regained my lost vision, but am now missing half a pituitary due to it being displaced by my large cyst for so long.