Child finds healing through art during bone marrow recovery

At just three months old, Virginia’s life changed forever when she was diagnosed with Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)—a rare and serious disorder affecting the body’s white blood cells. The only known cure is a bone marrow transplant, and in a stroke of incredible fortune, her younger sister was a perfect match.

In July 2023, Virginia received her transplant at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The procedure marked a pivotal moment in her young life, but it was only the beginning of a grueling six-week hospital stay that would test Virginia and her family’s strength in every way.

Amid the beeping monitors and sterile hospital routines, Virginia found light in the form of art—and in one very special visitor.

Hannah, an Artist in Residence at Children’s, visited Virginia’s room with paints, canvases, and an endless supply of creativity. The bond between the two blossomed quickly, and art became not only an outlet but a tool for healing.

“The Artist in Residence Program was a lifeline for Virginia during her bone marrow transplant this summer,” said Leslie Bicksler, Virginia’s mother. “It was one of the very few activities that immersed her so deeply that she was able to temporarily forget where she was and much of the discomfort she was in.”

Even during the toughest moments—when Virginia was too weak to speak due to painful mucositis—she found strength in her desire to create.

“She wrote on a little pad I kept in the room that she wanted to see Hannah and make art,” Leslie recalled. “It took 10 minutes to situate her and all the cords, but Virginia persevered. That movement and engagement reignited her spark. I will never forget how something as seemingly simple as art became transformational magic in her recovery.”

Virginia’s journey was supported not just by medical treatment, but by the entire ecosystem of Child Life Services at Children’s. 

That success that type of support helped build The Zone—a vibrant therapeutic play space located at the Arthur M. Blank Hospital.

“The Zone is a break from the medical environment,” said Caroline Calhoun, a Certified Child Life Specialist. “There are no pokes, no procedures—just a space where kids can be kids and families can relax together.”

The facility includes everything from a green screen room and art stations to sensory areas, video games, and outdoor play spaces—all donor-funded and designed to support the emotional and mental well-being of children facing serious illness.

“It’s incredible knowing I’m part of something that is bigger than myself,” Caroline said. “Play is how kids communicate and heal, and The Zone makes that possible every day.”

Virginia’s story doesn’t end with her recovery. Inspired by her experience, she and her family launched the Clicks for Kids fundraiser, rallying their community and beyond to support the very program that helped her heal.

Together, they raised over $110,000 to benefit the Artists in Residence Program, ensuring more kids like Virginia can access the therapeutic power of art during their treatment.

“Our partnership with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide holistic support for families facing childhood cancer,” said Thomas Pierce, Founder of the Children’s Oncology Support Fund (COSF). “By funding programs like Music Therapy, the Artist in Residence initiative, and the Child Life Zone, we’re helping create a healing environment where every child and family can feel cared for and empowered.”

Thanks to the support of her sister, her doctors, her family—and an unexpected friendship formed over paints and brushes—Virginia has her twinkle back.

As she continues to grow stronger each day, her journey stands as a powerful reminder: healing comes in many forms, and sometimes, it looks a lot like a paint-splattered canvas and a child’s smile.