NEW ART THERAPEUTIC BOOK ADDRESSES SIBLING ISSUES
Nonprofit Art with Heart expands outreach to help thousands more children

MEDIA CONTACT: 206.362.4047; Doris Wong-Estridge, doris@artwithheart.org / Steffanie Lorig, steffanie@artwithheart.org

Seattle, WA, May 20, 2008: Art with Heart, a Seattle-based nonprofit is launching one of the first activity books of its kind that offers therapeutic intervention for children ages 10 and under who are dealing with the emotional challenges of living with a seriously ill or disabled brother or sister.

Magnificent Marvelous Me! contains engaging, age-appropriate, art therapeutic activities to help them recognize and work through the intense emotions that emerge during difficult times such as these.

The project was inspired by Katie (pictured below), a local Issaquah child whose sister, Hallie (the inspiration for Art with Heart’s Oodles of Doodles book), battled cancer for more than 10 years. Katie said that when she saw all the presents and attention that Hallie received while in the hospital, she “wanted cancer too!”

Art with Heart consulted with 17 child therapists and social workers from local, national and international children’s organizations, as well as conducted a national survey of well siblings, who contributed advice and counsel throughout Magnificent Marvelous Me’s development. Almost 50 artists from throughout the United States and Canada as well as London, Italy, Sweden, Argentina and Brazil contributed original illustrations for the activities, which are based on art therapy best practices.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, of the roughly 70 million American children under 18, about 4.8 million suffer from chronic illness. Societal compassion is evident in the number of programs and services available for a child who is seriously ill or disabled, but what about the siblings?

In the words of 22 year-old Dara, who grew up with a younger sister afflicted with lupus, rheumatoid and obsessive-compulsive disorder, “Growing up was difficult. My folks’ attention was focused on her a lot. I felt alone a lot as a kid.”

The well child experiences an enormous range of conflicting emotions, including feelings of isolation, anger, resentment, disappointment and even guilt that he or she may have caused the problem. National studies show that the toll on the well child, without intervention, can result in behavioral and emotionally-rooted problems that can extend into adulthood – effecting their relationships and mental health. Magnificent Marvelous Me! was designed with those siblings in mind and provides a positive and engaging outlet for them to express their feelings.

More information can be found at www.artwithheart.org/books/siblings.

++++++++++
ABOUT ART WITH HEART

Founded in 1996, Art with Heart is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower youth in crisis through therapeutic programs that foster self-expression. Art with Heart has served over 35,000 children and youth dealing with trauma or serious illness, by providing emotional and mental health support through workshops, training, curriculum and books based on the best practices of art therapy.

Art with Heart’s program and books are made possible through special events, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships and direct donations. There are many ways individuals and businesses can get involved with Art with Heart. To make a donation online or to get involved, visit www.artwithheart.org.