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My parents were told that I would never walk, or be able to
do things on my own after I was born, but they never gave up on me! Through
their faith and determination I walked, unaided at age 5. I attended
regular public school and graduated High School in 1983. I did all the
"normal" kid and teenager things.... from playing kickball out front with
neighbor kids to girl scouts, campouts, sleepovers, shopping, basketball
games, "cruising" (showing my age here!)
After High School I attended
College for a while, Majoring in Psychology. Unfortunately I didn't finish
(Someday I will!)
I spent my days being a stay
at home aunt to my nephew Michael, and boy did we have fun! He means
the world to me!
I have always LOVED art, any
kind really. I painted in Oils in High School, but after Michael was born I
had stopped. (hard to do oils with a baby!) When Michael got a bit older
(around 10) I decided to pick up on my painting. I took a correspondence
class in Art and 1 assignment was to do values in watercolors. I had never
used them before, but after working with them for this assignment I was
hooked!
In High school, when I got
serious about my art, I still never wanted to let anyone know "how" I
painted. My art Teacher, Mr. Jackson knew this and allowed me to do my art
at home and bring it in finished, I was just really shy about it. You see I
hold the brush in my mouth, even though I can use my hands, I have found it
much easier to do it "my way".
After getting back into
my art, I decided to join the local art association. After 2 years I ended
up being President. I was president from 2000-2004, Treasurer from 2004-2006
and 2009 - Present and Student exhibition Coordinator from 1999-Present. (www.studentartexhibit.webs.com)
I also serve on the
Board of Directors for Gateway Association, Inc (www.gatewayassociation.org)
I have had several paintings
hung in local galleries as well as the Indiana State Fair.
I won 3rd place on a painting
of Michael pitching (baseball) in 2000 and Honorable Mention on a different
painting of Michael pitching (series of 5) in 2003
I have been in many
classrooms, from kindergarten to college level speaking about my Diff-ability.
7 years
ago I meet a new Mom to AMC and she started
AMCSUPPORT, a place for families
to post questions, find answers and support each other. But her dream was
bigger than this...She wanted to get an organization up and running for AMC.
I'm proud to say I helped Ani's dream come true and in 2007 Arthrogryposis
Multiplex Congenita Support, Inc received a letter from the IRS saying we
are OFFICIALLY a Non Profit Organization!! I served two years as Vice
president I am now serving as President.
I also have started traveling
to different states, painting in classrooms with kids, teaching them its OK
to be different!
I have made a DVD "A Day
with Theresa, an Adult with AMC."(Go to A Day with Theresa page for more
info) to help others understand and learn that people with AMC, or any
diff-ability) can do whatever they set their mind to do! Please keep in mind
if you watch it, or see me, that NOTHING I do is hard for me! You see, in my
head, I'm doing things just like everyone else does!
Its that simple...........
without the love and faith I was taught and
given by my family and friends, Id never be who I am today....So, THANK YOU
.....Mom, Dad, Kathy, Michael, and all my extended family, My AMC Family and
Friends....
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