Artist with Parkinson’s disease shares story

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Photo

Above, Boardman Center students hold signs thanking Moore for his visit. Standing in back row, from left, are Jayden Doerr, Isabel Klisiewicz, Laci Jurus, Moore, Thomas Amon and Eric Konik. Middle row, kneeling, from left, are Alec Dabney, Manny Munoz, Kennedy Smith, David D’Altorio, Mya Guesman, Lainey Beadle and Alexis Davis. First row, kneeling in front, from left, are Austin Gardner, Shahniwaz Ali and William Smith.

Staff report

BOARDMAN

Ohio artist Ron Moore Jr. visited Boardman Center Intermediate School recently and talked about his 14-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. The disease robbed the Alliance native of his ability to paint, but then a brain operation and electrical implant called deep brain stimulation restored his ability and ignited his passion to give back.

More than 80 fifth-graders at the school had questions about Parkinson’s. Their teachers had presented a lesson about the effects of the disease in preparation for Moore’s visit.

A connection with fifth-grade teacher Melanie Shirilla also prompted the visit. Shirilla won a contest to name a special floral print of Moore’s. Out of 200 entries, her title, “Petals of Hope,” was the winner.

Moore told the students that sales of the print so far have raised $23,000 for recent hurricane-relief efforts. He used it as another example of the importance of using your talents to help others and to always believe you can make a difference.