For Kevin Clifford, art isn’t just a hobby, it’s a passion and creative retreat. Kevin, a patient at Karmanos Cancer Institute, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma — a form of cancer affecting the bone marrow — but at the hands of two stem cell transplants, multiple other lines of treatment, and art, he has tremendous hope for the future. Kevin is a watercolorist and alum of Detroit’s College for Creative Studies graphic design and illustration program. He’s also an avid Detroit Tigers fan, holding fond memories of Tigers games he attended with his father while growing up. When it comes to navigating his diagnosis, Kevin compares himself to the Tigers who every day brave the plate, focused on adapting and persevering. In his words, “You can’t hit a home run every time, but you can keep the ball in play.” Kevin has immense gratitude for all of life’s seasons and his journey through them. “My love of art has helped me survive and thrive all these years and given me hope for the future. If your mind is deeply focused on creating, it’s not thinking about anything else other than enjoying the experience and working towards the outcome.

Instagram: @splashywatercolor