Name
Hayley Excell

Brain Tumor Type
Other

Date of Diagnosis
21/03/2016

Participant Group
Caregiver/Family Member

Category
Drawing/Painting/Printmaking/Chalk Art

Artist Statement (include type of art, techniques & materials used, what it means to you)
This is a mixed media painting, made with my 8 year old son Bleu in mind.
My painting is representative of Bleu’s journey into the world and how his experience of life can differ from other peoples, being born with a brain tumour, diagnosed day 1 of life! The tunnel is symbolic of the birth canal and him emerging into his first experiences of life.
‘The missing cog’ ⚙️ is symbolistic of the change of Bleu’s brain anatomy before and after dissection of his tumour and how things don’t always work as smoothly without that cog, but yet he continues to fly. The time represents his birth time and colours and shapes are a nod at the visual differences he encounters, especially since the epilepsy and auras he experiences brought on by his tumour.
There is an underlying message of ‘love’ on the bottom left of the painting, that always underpins his recovery from us to him and him to us.
The ultimate thing I wanted to express, is that despite all his challenges, this is all Bleu has ever known but he loves life regardless and continues to soar! X

Artist Bio: Tell Us Your Story
I am a proud mama of a brain tumour survivor, my 8 year old son, Bleu.
He was diagnosed with a mature teratoma on day one of life and it absolutely shook our worlds.
Since then he has had 8 brain surgeries (the first one less than a day old) and countless procedures and interventions since.
Bleu’s tumour has caused hydrocephalus (shunted) ASD, a learning disability, a visual impairment, SIADH, epilepsy, right sided Cerebral Palsy and many more things that he has to overcome on a daily basis.
Despite all this, Bleu loves life and people and has the most infectious smile, he talks and walks unaided indoors with a Walker outside and a wheelchair for longer distances. He’s learning to read and is loved by so many for his unique character and kind heart.
We are so blessed to have him in our lives.
Thank you for reading our story x