Gualandi Arts & Foundation Inc

The inspiration for Arts & began during Marin's experience while in treatment for Synovial Sarcoma in the height of the Corona Virus Pandemic. Marin was treated at Nicklaus Children's Hospital and Miami Cancer Center in Miami, Florida. Due to COVID-19, the hospital experience looked much different than it had in previous years. In time before the pandemic the hospital was able to host experiences to provide hope, socialization and honestly just a break from the monotony of difficult and painful days. Unfortunately, During Marin's stay so many of these usual events, opportunities and experiences for kids to meet and connect were now suspended. The hospital could not allow volunteers or visitors other than her Mother and Father. Marin spent over 65 days in the hospital during the course of her treatment and the majority of the people she saw daily were there to do another test, or give her chemotherapy that would make her feel worse. But, thankfully there was some light. Marin's day was always brightened by visits from Child Life Specialists and Music Therapists. They were there to help her cope with her diagnosis and they helped Marin use her love of the arts to help her process what she was going through.

As Marin went through her treatment simultaneously her brother Kiernan was a senior in high school going through the college admission process. He independently submitted all of his applications and was accepted to several universities. Though incredibly excited about his future, Kiernan was concerned about how the family would afford school with medical bills continuing to accumulate. The Gualandi's were fortunate enough to navigate both medical and college payments, they also acknowledged not all families are privileged the same opportunity.

During the last stages of treatment Marin and family decided they wanted to use their experience to help others. The Arts& team is comprised of family and friends that have supported Marin and the Gualandi's through treatment, school and life. The Arts & Team and Gualandi family are committed to passing this kindness forward and using the arts (theatre, dance, music, art& more) to cope and empower families to move forward.