Shelby Johnson "I have a disease called juvenile dermatomyositis.
In short . it severely weakens your muscles and attacks your immune system.
A case of the flu could be fatal."
Make a Wish foundation asked Shelby if she would be willing to auction
off some of her paintings to sponsor other wishes.
"It was like that was what I needed to do; to use my artwork to
be able to help other children," she said.
"It gave me life again. It gave me the ability to look at the world
optimistically again."
"The Gentle Barn Foundation is home to sixty animals rescued from abuse.
The Gentle Barn is host to abused children, kids recovering from
substance abuse, kids on probation, foster kids and children and
adults with mental, emotional and physical challenges.
Through the interaction with animals the kids learn forgiveness,
courage, strength, leadership skills, trust, empathy and kindness.
The healing that takes place when the kids get together with the
animals is miraculous."
