Zion Journey Mural

I have been working with Nikkitta Smith Dennis in creating a mural project that would bring awareness to Chiari Malformation. Her 2 year old daughter is affected by the Chiari Malformation. I wanted to be able to share their story through a mural. We found a location at Buster's Market, in the Historical area of Phoenix, AZ. It is a great location and is next to the "Jesus Saves" mural that was painted in 2011. As I was painting this art project I couldn't help to think of my little daughter going through a trial like this. I believe that God can do great miracles and wonders and maybe the artwork can help spread hope to others as well!
http://www.zionsjourney.com/about-zion
The journey continued on February 21, 2013 when Zion was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation Type 1 (a brain abnormality that causes the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls coordination and muscle movement, to adjust into the space normally used by the spinal cord, causing pressure on the brain stem and fluid on the brain), and developmental delays.  We received her last diagnoses, Right Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy, on May 1, 2013.  The doctors originally gave a good prognosis regarding her Chiari Malformation. They thought they could remove some fluid, relieve pressure on the back of the skull so the brain would be able to grow normally.  This procedure is successful on 99% of the patients. On August 09, 2013 Zion had her first brain surgery due the Chiari Malformation. The surgery was successful and Zion was on the road to recovery, so we thought.  

Unfortunately, after six months of relief Zion began to experience headaches, and a trip to the doctor for more tests revealed the cause:  the Chiari Malformation returned.  Though the procedure is successful for 99% of the people receiving this complicated surgery, there is one percent (1%) of the children who must repeatedly have the surgery as they grow.   Zion is in that one percent population.