02/28/2025
The last few months, I have been making some big moves for Art Play. Forming a new entity with my new partner and renting a new space in downtown Petaluma were really exciting changes that I planned to share earlier this month.
But as it goes in 2025…sh*t happens.
If you know anything about how this business started or has grown, you know that my young son has been the inspiration from the start. The Original Art Play Kid, he has been my driving force, my helper, my tester, my co-pilot, my little bud. ❤️
In early February, after a trip to the ER, my husband and I were told that our son had a brain tumor. We were transferred to the PICU at Kaiser Oakland where he underwent emergency brain surgery. Even writing this now, it doesn’t seem real.
His surgery went incredibly well, and we are so fortunate that we had access to such a top-notch pediatric neurosurgery team.
Our strong guy has been recovering well and yesterday we received final pathology clearance that he won’t need further medical intervention (beyond monitoring). The relief my family feels is indescribable. Our case was the most favorable outcome possible.
As I share this news with our wider community, I want to also express my gratitude to our Village. This community really stepped up for my family in this insane time. We felt so loved and supported every moment of the past few weeks. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone that cooked for us, texted us, contributed financially, sent prayers, thoughts, shared silly jokes and videos, came to the hospital, made cards, sent gifts... just all of it. Thank you endlessly.
As we move forward in this journey, just know I can’t wait to bring updates about our new Art Play projects and spaces, but it will be slow going.
We will be taking some time to celebrate this outcome and the strength and bravery of our very special kid!
With love & gratitude,
Kate