Children’s Art Dedication

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The Transverse Myelitis Association made a presentation of artwork to the Johns Hopkins TM Center during the symposium in Baltimore. The following speech was made by Sandy Siegel at the dedication.

The Transverse Myelitis Association advocates for adults and children around the world who have Transverse Myelitis. About twenty percent of the 34,000 people in the United State who have TM are children. Children as young as six months of age get TM. The symptoms of TM are caused by an inflammatory attack and demyelination in the spinal cord; there are multiple causes. Most of the infants who get TM are impacted high on the spinal cord, and their symptoms tend to be severe. The children with TM suffer from paralysis, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and other neurological symptoms. Some of the children with TM are ventilator dependent.

The TMA held a Children’s and Family Workshop in Columbus, Ohio in July 2002. For almost all of the children with TM and their brothers and sisters, the workshop was their first opportunity to meet other children who have their condition. Children with TM face special challenges in their lives, as do their families. Having a rare disease can be a frightening and isolating experience. The TMA works diligently to help these children and their families by providing networking, information, emotional support and encouragement. TM is a devastating illness. Many of these children become paralyzed before they have even had a chance in life to take a first step.

While the children suffer significant physical disabilities, they inspire all of us with their intellects, their emotional strength and their positive spirits. These children are incredibly bright and are filled with hope for their futures. During the course of the workshop, the children created a beautiful piece of art with the guidance from an art therapist, Lori Stralow Harris. This beautiful work of art reflects the creativity, the hopes and the courage of these children. Their minds and hearts serve as a constant reminder to all of us of the strength and resilience of the human spirit. These are truly remarkable and special children.

The TMA is proud to have this wonderful work of art displayed at the Johns Hopkins Medical Center. The Johns Hopkins Transverse Myelitis Center is the only center of excellence in the world dedicated to medical care and research for people who have TM. More people with TM are seen at the JHTMC than at any other medical institution in the world. It is only appropriate that the children’s creation should be available for the majority of the TM community to enjoy and appreciate. It is our great hope that the positive and hopeful spirits possessed by these children and reflected in their art serve as an inspiration for the entire TM community and for everyone at the Johns Hopkins Medical Center who sees it.