Amaey Shah was three years old when he was diagnosed with leukemia. During treatment, it was impossible to know how he’d feel from one day to the next or whether he’d return to the hospital for an extended stay.
Seeking comfort for her son, Amaey’s mother, Purvi, began looking for ways to help him feel better. She realized he was happiest and most at peace when he was creating art. Artmaking allowed him to just be a kid, rather than a pediatric cancer patient. That’s when the Kids & Art Foundation was born.
Art profoundly impacted Amaey’s life. Sadly, he passed away at the age of nine after a six-year battle with cancer. He leaves behind a body of artwork with a lasting, powerful message of courage. His art is also filled with his joy, energy, interests, love of life, and creative spirit. Notably absent from these works, according to his mother, is cancer itself.
Amaey’s joyful spirit endured. He was always called “Amazing Amaey” by his friends, inspiring the term “Amaeyzing,” which has become a beloved part of the Kids & Art vocabulary and reflects the creativity, resilience, and joy at the heart of our work.
You can read more about Amaey’s Journey on this blog.