City: Bismarck

Brain Injury: Hemorrhagic strokes, January 7 and January 20, 2009.

Explanation of Mask:
I chose to paint my mask’s face purple which stands for mystery and moodiness. Since surviving my strokes, there is a mystery adjusting to my new normal. That new normal is filled with moodiness that comes from not being able to do many of the things I used to take for granted.
The hand at the top of my mask represents my painful right hand that hurts to and through the bones.
USA reminds me that I have received and tried the best medical treatments available.
Pizza represents the foods that still taste good even after my taste buds changed following my strokes.
PAIN is the intense pain in my right hand and arm that constantly reminds me of my strokes.
EMOTIONAL is for the anger, frustration and other emotions that I feel daily event 10+ years since surviving my strokes.