Hi! My name is Franny Hebbard and I am 16 almost 17 years old, and on March 8, 2021, my best friend, Brody Huber, died. For a year he battled brain cancer, and throughout that time I went along the journey with him experiencing how fragile life is and how one person can have such a big impact on so many others around him. Throughout the year I slowly watched my soulmate fade, and through it all, I faded. After his death, I struggled every day. The grief took over and controlled me. I was living in a shell - life passed by but I stayed behind, watching but not living.
As I was counseled through my grief I was taught how important it is to find meaning and to do things that make you happy - if only for a couple of minutes. One of these things for me is painting. I found that with painting I could escape even just for a little. It is a way I could be proud of myself for accomplishing something, and I could also see how my paintings affected others around me. When I was given the opportunity to paint for the LIGHT Movement I took it. Not only was it a way for me to accomplish something other than getting up in the morning and going to school, but I could also help others realize they are not alone in their grief. Grief is a lonely place; it feels like no one else understands. It feels like it has to be kept hidden. But with these paintings and this movement, I hope that you can see that you are not alone and that it is possible to grow around your grief and find the little things that make you happy and feel less lonely.
For more information on the Brody Huber Foundation: https://www.brodyhuberfoundation.com/
Thank you for sharing your story, Franny. Your logo is a beautiful expression of your journey. As a volunteer for this movement, this logo has become a soothing image for me to view everyday. It has been an impetus for the whole movement; bringing a vital visual element to all the words. Thank you so much for your effort, your reaching out, and your love in the world.