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*Update: 9/30/2007* Veronica passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She will be in our hearts forever, and live on through her artwork. A few words from Mom:
Veronica walked until she was two, and talked until she was four. She was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at age two. She used a walker until age eight, and since then she uses her motorized wheelchair for mobility. Even though Veronica is trapped in a body that doesn't work, she does not let that stop her from living life to its fullest. She rides horses, with assistance; played soccer and Challenger baseball; goes to summer camp; is an avid Florida Marlins and Panthers fan, and goes to as many games as she can. She loves going to the mall, and Disneyworld is her favorite destination!!
What makes Veronica's art so remarkable is that she has overcome many physical challenges to produce her unique artwork. Veronica started drawing when her speech began to deteriorate due to nerve impulse damage. Her drawings helped her communicate.
She has limited use of her left hand, which does not open completely. She holds her pencil or paintbrush with her right hand, but must steady it with her chin. Veronica's visual impairments mean she must be extremely close to the paper. Overall upper body weakness, and severe curvature of the spine means she has to hunch over her paper to draw, while sitting in a wheelchair.
Veronica's prognosis was that she would not live to see five years of age; Veronica lived to be twenty-three years old!
Veronica lived the life she was physically unable to through her artwork. She will always be an inspiration to us all. Veronica believed "there are no limits to your dreams" - and proved this each and every day of her life.
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