What our kids and families have to say...

We offer comments from our kids and their families, reflecting on their experiences in the Tracy's Kids Art Therapy Program:

“You feel like you are not in a clinic but in a playroom.” -- 8-year-old girl.

“It kind of helps me forget where I am.” -- 13-year-old boy.

"The most amazing thing about the art therapy program is that everyone is accepted no matter the age or talent and everyone benefits-parents, siblings, grandparents, patients, friends, and the list could go on."

"The art table was the one place we could go and mentally feel calm. . . Each family member gained strength during a most difficult time because of Tracy's compassionate, unhurried, caring manner. We could never figure out how she found time for us all."

"If you wanted to talk, you could talk. If you wanted someone to listen, Tracy or one of the other art therapists would listen. If you wanted to interact with other patients and families, this too was possible."

"Everyone found out, to their surprise, that they were creative. Tracy's Kids taught us this. We all expressed our fears, happiness and anger through art."

"The Art Therapy Program was a critical factor in our healing and surviving as a family and a very important part of our daughter's treatment."

". . .we knew we had found a place where our son would receive a holistic treatment for leukemia. The decorated tree in the middle of the waiting area, the easel, paints, markers, clay, and projects galore were a clear indication that his treatment didn't just have to be about chemotherapy, but art therapy."

"We have had awe-inspiring conversations around the art tables while pounding clay. We are able to talk openly about the joys and frustrations of this new life we are called to lead. It is evident that God has had a hand in your endeavors because you're helping to heal the body, mind and soul of the patients and their families."

"As soon as a mention to my kids that we are going to the Lombardi Center their faces light up. They look forward to going to the doctor. The Art Center takes away all fears and anxieties of being dealt with in the doctors office."

"Five year old Andrew has been in therapy for 31/2 years, and his memories of the clinic are happy times, thanks to his friends the art therapists! He might paint or thread beads or color or sculpt with clay, but he always has fun. It's a safe and happy place that allows us to escape back to "normal" during frightening and uncertain times."

When told that he needed to go to the doctor to get a transfusion, 21/2 year old Eli thought about it and said, "Can I play with clay?"