Art has always been a part of Leah’s life. A passion passed down from her great grandmother, even though she dreams of working with animals, Leah knows that making and sharing art is part of who she is. It’s why she’s studying it at school, and why she spends so much time at Helium.
Leah was born with GNA01, a genetic condition that affects her speech and movement. Hospitals are a part of life, and it was during a routine visit that Leah met Ashleigh, one of Helium’s hospital artists. The timing was perfect. With her aunt’s birthday just around the corner, Leah decided to make a card. That wasn’t all she created. Because with Ashleigh, Leah found a new connection that opened up a world of opportunity.
“Ashleigh was incredible,” her mum, Marian, explains. “I contacted Helium later that day. We’ve signed up for everything since.”
Leah loves socialising with her friends, and Helium gave her a way to make even more. It also helped expand her creative skill set.
“The more you study art, the more you learn,” says Marian. “Helium has introduced Leah to lots of media and materials. It’s a big part of her art journey.”
And what a journey it is. Through Helium, Leah has had the chance to go on trips and visit galleries. She even had the chance to exhibit her work at City Hall—when Leah and other young Helium artists were invited to attend a special event hosted by the Lord Mayor of Cork himself.
For Leah, who communicates through her eyes, body and iPad, these opportunities are about more than displaying her work. It’s a form of self-expression. As Leah’s skills have developed, art has become another way for her to communicate and share her voice —and experiences—with the world. One of her latest pieces (hanging proudly in school) is based on her spine and journey with scoliosis.
“People with long term conditions can often be dismissed or overlooked. But at Helium, nobody sees the disability. They are interested in the person, and helping them become a better artist.”
The only problem—as far as Leah and Marian can see—is that there isn’t enough Helium to go round. At 16, Leah is one of our more senior participants, and is approaching the end of this chapter. But Helium will remain part of her story and will continue to inspire and connect her as she steps into adulthood.