The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, in conjunction with Atlanta’s Paper Factory Art Studio, recently had the opportunity to showcase the never before seen incredible artwork of seventeen-year-old Marlayna Cooksey. Marlayna was first diagnosed at two years of age with a pilocytic astrocytoma, an inoperable brain tumor. Marlayna has not let this diagnosis slow her down nor impede her development as an artist in any way.
Marlayna has developed her art not only as a voice to comfort her, but also as an outlet to process her chemotherapy. Her art has continued to evolve over the years and it has grown with her as she continues to live with, through, and beyond her brain tumor. From sketching on the back of whatever paper she could find when she was first diagnosed, to her current artistic offerings, Marlayna continues to push her personal boundaries and the expressiveness of her art. “My favorite thing to do is draw,” says Marlayna, “that’s how all my art starts out, as a drawing.” She is at the intersection of hope and artistry and is just beginning to realize her full potential.
Marlayna says,“Art is therapy for me. It allows me to calm down and to focus on something other than the issues that go on in my life.” In the last fifteen years Marlayna has had nine chemotherapy treatments. In fact, she had just finished her most recent chemotherapy treatment a short couple of weeks before the gallery grand opening, hosted by Douglas Stratton. Many of the artists in residence at the Paper Factory attended the opening, as well as Marlayna's friends, family, and doctors. All were on hand to celebrate the work of this extremely brave and super talented young woman!
Marlayna had an opportunity before the gallery show to spend a day with the artists at the Paper Factory. She says, “Everyone’s style is so different. Everyone’s story is so different. I learned from everyone.” Marlayna’s mother Marlo Cooksey says, “From the moment she walked in the door, she was very much in her element. I could see they joy in her face, and all of this was before the day had even started.”
A short film is being made about Marlayna’s experience at her gallery opening and with the artists. The movie will be shown as a part of the Marsh & McLennan Agency South East Virtual Charity Classic to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Butterfly Fund. The Butterfly Fund provides emergency financial assistance to families of children in treatment in their time of need. Marsh & McLennan Agency South East is proud to celebrate its seventeen year history with the ButterFly Fund and would like to encourage everyone to get involved with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
Marlayna is looking forward to what the future will bring and how her art will continue to evolve.
To learn more about the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation or the Butterfly Fund, please visit CureTheKids.org
