Healing Through Art & Storytelling
- IMAGO POR LAS ARTES
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
At just two years old, Adrián was diagnosed with a stage 4 Wilms tumor with metastasis in his kidney. His early years were a whirlwind of surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. For the first seven years of his life, he was unable to attend school, both due to his medical condition and later the pandemic. His mother, who had recently gone through a divorce, faced the immense financial burden of his treatment, ultimately losing her job and home, forcing them to return to Colombia.
When they finally returned to Miami, Adrián was finishing his last round of therapy when he first encountered IMAGO POR LAS ARTES at a storytelling and art activity at the Ronald McDonald House, part of our outreach program. Despite all he had been through, Adrián was full of energy and enthusiasm, so much so that his mother had to pull him away when it was time for dinner. She was deeply moved by how welcomed and comfortable he felt in the space and by the warmth she and her son were treated with.
When we invited him to join the Miami Children's Storytelling Festival, he did not hesitate. For the first time, he was in an environment where he could simply be a kid, surrounded by other children and immersed in creativity. His mother saw the program as more than just an artistic outlet—it became a way to reinforce his Spanish, a language she feared he might lose while being naturally immersed in English at school.
Now, every Saturday, Adrián eagerly stands in front of his peers to tell his own stories in Spanish—a milestone that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. Diagnosed with Selective Autism Syndrome, he did not speak until he was five years old, yet today, he confidently shares his imagination with others through storytelling.
For Adrián, this program is more than just a fun activity—it is his therapy without feeling like therapy. After spending his first eight years in hospitals and treatments, this is the one space where he can fully disconnect, create, and feel part of a community. His mother is amazed at how economically accessible and comprehensive the program is and hopes to enroll him in after-school arts activities to continue developing his fine motor skills.
Beyond Adrián's transformation, his mother has also found a new purpose. After receiving so much support during her son's journey, she now wants to give back to other families, helping them find the same warmth, encouragement, and opportunities that she and Adrián have found through IMAGO POR LAS ARTES.
A ray of light in his new normal through storytelling
Now in remission, Adrián is learning how to navigate life outside of hospitals, and this program has played a key role in his reintegration into everyday life. It is the first time he is socializing with healthy children—something his mother never imagined he would do. For her, this space is a gift, where children like Adrián are given the tools to heal, grow, and dream through the arts.
Here you can see a sneak peek of Adrian's participation at the Miami Children's Storytelling Festival Show 2025
If you want to learn more about the Miami Children's Storytelling Festival, click here. If you want to be a part of this wonderful program, send us an email at contact@imagoporlasartes.org.
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