‘Art of the Brain’ Raises Funds for Brain Cancer Research at UCLA

LOS ANGELES—Diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor 8 years ago, Mario del Valle chose not to be physically defeated. His artist mother, Pilar del Valle, helped inspire him to learn to use his left hand. Mr. del Valle, born in Colombia and now living in Northridge, California, overcame vision and other obstacles to produce watercolors such as the two shown above. Mr. del Valle is a participant in the UCLA Neuro-Oncology Program’s Art of the Brain, which encourages brain cancer patients and their caregivers to use creativity to regain self-worth and personal power. Timothy Cloughsey, MD, is director of the UCLA Neuro-Oncology Program

Art of the Brain was founded by brain cancer survivor Judi Kaufman to raise funds for advanced brain cancer research. Last year, Art of the Brain sponsored a festival that featured art from brain cancer patients and their caregivers alongside the work of world-renowned artists. This year’s event, Music from the Heart (October 7), will showcase brain cancer patients in musical performances.