Welcome to the “We are the World Blogfest” (#WATWB ). The #WATWB was inspired by a simple conversation about how all the negativity on social media was weighing on us. Wanting to make a difference we decided to try to do our part to infuse social media with all the good stories that are out there. We hope to share the stories that show kindness, compassion, hope, overcoming challenges and in general, the impressive resilience of the human spirit. For every dark, negative story out there, there is a positive, heartwarming story that will add some light and lift the human spirit. The last Friday of every month bloggers will share their stories led by five co-hosts, this month’s co-hosts are Damyanti Biswas, Simon Falk, Shilpa Garg, Mary J. Giese , and Dan Antion.
To learn more about #WATWB or to join us click here!
I am a huge believer in the healing power of art and when watching the video from the CHILDREN’S HEALING ART PROJECT (CHAP) I am convinced. An art program in Portland Oregan designed to help children impacted by a diagnosis, disease, or special needs lose themselves in creating.
The Children’s Healing Art Project was founded by artist Frank Etxaniz in 2006. Frank was in a serious bus accident in 1989 left his consulting firm, and returned to school to for art, healing himself by doing what he loved. In the 90s he was involved with AIDS organizations in LA, New York and Berlin and was co-publisher of “100 Legends,” an art portfolio containing the work of AIDS patients. Initially Frank began visiting the hospital’s cancer wing for a few hours a month with a case of art supplies. As of 2017 CHAP provides 40 hours a week at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Oregon Health & Science University’s Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center, Knight Cancer Institute and Pediatric Neurosurgery Clinic. CHAP also hosts art clubs for children with chronic illnesses or medical challenges.
To learn more about CHAP please check out their website: https://chappdx.org
Belinda Witzenhausen 
Lovely post, Belinda. Such a wonderful experience for the disabled children, who didn’t seem to feel disabled at all. I am reminded of the Hand and Foot Painting Artists and wondered if they received their art training this same way. So touching I could not help but cry. Thanks for sharing!
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Hi Belinda – what an inspirational idea … art certainly helps many – but the stories we saw in the video really do jump the barriers … amazing and I loved seeing CHAP and learning more about the project. Ad Frank says we’ll learn so much from Theresa in 25 years … she’s an incredible child – so pleased for them. Cheers Hilary
http://positiveletters.blogspot.com/2019/05/we-are-world-blogfest-25-lemon-tree.html
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It is wonderful to see how happy these children are. One would never know they had any medical issues at all. I hope more programs such as this get started. Thanks for sharing and for being a part of #WATWB.
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Belinda, thank you for bringing an amazing art project to #WATWB. Frank and the kids brought a huge smile to my Friday afternoon. It’s so inspiring – what a fun place to work and be with kids who just want to be normal and messy. Bravo to CHAP!
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A most beautiful video and kindness – beauty in art. ❤
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Art – for all, but especially for disabled or those who are ill. It’s so expressive and such a worthy outlet. Thanks Belinda, great post for #WATWB –
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