Meet Roberta

About the Artist

Hi. I’m Roberta Nahigian. I want you to know how important your support of United Cerebral Palsy is, and what the UCP Rhode Island’s Adaptive Arts Program means to me.

In 1989, I was struck with a disease that has left me quadriplegic and dependent on a ventilator to breathe. Before I found UCP and UCP Rhode Island’s Adaptive Arts Program, I used to struggle to maintain a positive self image.

Today, when I’m working on my art, I forget my pain. They say it releases endorphins. And I can tell you it has opened up a whole new world for me…

Before I got sick, I used to paint as a hobby. I even studied art as a young girl, so you can imagine how difficult it was for me when I lost the ability to move my arms, and could no long express myself through art.

But for the last two years, my self-image has been very high due to the quality of life that I’ve experienced thanks in large part to the Adaptive Arts Program. I use a special adaptive arm that allows me to actually move my arm and paint again.

Now, I look forward each week to working with my art teacher, and I continue to learn techniques that allow me to express myself artistically.

I am also very proud that I can help raise the money needed for this important program, which enables many others to experience and produce meaningful art. That’s because proceeds from the sale of our artwork helps the UCP Rhode Island Adaptive Arts Program. And I’m still amazed that my artwork is now available to people all over the world on the Internet.

Please know that I speak for many others when I say, "This program is a lifeline for us."

And please help support all of UCP’s programs throughout the country by making a donation today.

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