Ambassador Spotlight: Kinsey
Art is more than a hobby for Kinsey.
Art is expression. It’s where her passion and creativity come alive.
Even on the most difficult of days – such as her weekly dialysis on Wednesdays – 19-year-old Kinsey can be found doing arts and crafts.
“She is a very cheerful type of person,” said Holly Bogart, Kinsey’s mother. “During dialysis, she is sometimes not as cheerful, but she can express cheer in her art even if she doesn’t feel as well.”
Originally diagnosed with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, which affects the kidneys, and cardiomyopathy before her first birthday, Kinsey started exploring artistic expression with UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine. UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine is one of the largest arts programs in United States health care. The program empowers pediatric patients at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital to creatively tell their own stories through arts and crafts.
During hospital visits, Kinsey spends time with Artist-in-Residence Sarah Hinds. They paint with acrylics, make mosaics, color with gel pens and do diamond paintings.
“It helps me calm down,” said Kinsey, who has been a patient at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital since she was 8 months old. “Sarah and I get excited when we’re so close to finishing [an art piece]!”
In 2021, Arts in Medicine brought Kinsey’s work to life. Artist-in-Residence Rickey Kendall took Kinsey’s original paintings and transformed them into a coloring book called, My Vibrant Island.
“I started making the paintings in the hospital,” Kinsey said. “I’m so proud of it!”
Kinsey says life is about making memories. Her art accomplishments rival her magical moments at Walt Disney World as some of her favorites.
“I love character meet and greets!” Kinsey said. “My favorite memory is Minnie wiggling her nose while our noses were touching.”
At this time, Kinsey is currently working with genetics specialists for answers.
“There is nothing new in her treatment,” Holly said. “We don’t know what she has right now.
“Our family is full of believers. We believe God has a plan for Kinsey, and God has led us in every part of our lives.”
Even during trying times, Holly maintains a positive perspective.
“We immediately know what’s important,” Holly explained. “We don’t worry about the little things.
“Without UF Health Shands, she wouldn’t be here.”