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 piece called ‘Notice Me’.
It’s something I based on the effect that a brain tumour can have on siblings.
A tumour can have a devastating effect on the whole family, but for siblings there can be some really long lasting impacts.
As well as feeling worried and upset for their brother or sister, they also have to take a back seat whilst parents rally round their poorly child, with care needs, hospital visits, therapies and potentially long hospital stays. This can unintentionally cause feelings of being invisible or overlooked, it can create separation anxiety and mental health issues.
‘Notice Me’ is a subtle nod to our other children, patiently waiting in the background.



Artist Bio: Tell Us Your Story
I’m a mother of 4 children, my youngest being Bleu (8) who was born with a brain tumour that presented on day one of life.
For my other children, mum went into hospital to have a baby and instead of being back the next day, she came home 2 months later! It had an affect on them all, but for my youngest daughter, she developed separation anxiety and already having ASD, she found it hard to deal with the huge change in routine all on top of the stress and worry of the health of their new baby brother.
As she’s got older she’s battled with her mental health, panic attacks, self harm and depression, but she fights everyday to heal the scars of the past and fight the many ripples of a brain tumour within the family. X