Looking to raise awareness for Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS), Camera For A Cure founder Timmy Walsh, 14, of Olyphant and Dalton, entered a photo into the online Rare Artist 2016 Art Contest in the 12-18 year old category.
Two award recipients will be chosen from each category, one to be decided by popular vote on Facebook and the other chosen by a panel of rare disease community leaders. Community members can vote online at bit.ly/2fmand5. The contest ends at 11:59 p.m. Dec. 12.
Pieces selected as award recipients or for special artistic merit awards will be displayed at the Rare Artist Reception, held in conjunction with RDLA’s Rare Disease Week on Capitol Hill.
Dealing with AMPS for almost his entire life, Timmy understands the message behind the contest. Entering its eighth year, The EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases holds this contest to highlight the art of those afflicted by or touched by illness. As explained by Rare Artist, The EveryLife Art Contest was established to exhibit the unique gifts of individuals affected by rare diseases and to promote the expression of their stories through art.
Timmy is no stranger to art or advocacy. He created Camera For A Cure at the age of 5, with his first show at the age of 6. He began raising awareness and funds for lung cancer at an early age and continues his quest by reaching out through child advocacy and helping individuals struggling with illness.
The teenager attends Susquehanna Prep and is an Eagle Scout with North Scranton Troop 57. He has advocated on Capitol Hill numerous times, as well as locally. He is a regular fixture at First Friday Scranton.
For more information about the contest, visit bit.ly/2gywXEo.
