Cystic Fibrosis Survivor to Hold First Public Art Show on First Thursday

Sept. 2, 2008 - PRLog -- Portland, OR – Phoebe Mattera has fought for her life more than fifty times in her 18 years.  Named the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital’s 2005 Hero of the Year, Mattera has battled cystic fibrosis her entire life and her story caused Carol Robbins, director of Pearl MedSpa, to sponsor Mattera’s first public art show.

“I was so touched and inspired by Phoebe’s story of courage and determination that I felt I had to do something to help her.  When I found that she was an artist, I offered her the business location to hold her first show.  Considering what Phoebe’s been through, she deserves to be helped,” said Robbins.

Fighting for her life is not new to Phoebe Mattera.  At the age of six weeks, she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and has been a regular patient at Doernbecher’s since the age of five.  A percentage of any sales of her art will be donated to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

“The doctors and staff of Doernbecher Children’s Hospital are like my other family.  They have saved my life so many times that any little thing I can do I will to ensure other children and families can have hope that they too will survive,” said Mattera.  “The art series I am displaying at Pearl MedSpa is designed to communicate that the spirit can be strong enough to survive any adversity.”

Cystic fibrosis is currently an incurable, life-threatening disease that causes mucus to build up and clog some of the organs in the body, particularly in the lungs and pancreas.  Currently, over 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

Robbins stated, “Phoebe is such a courageous girl. Seeing the frailness of her body compared to the strength of her will just touched me to my heart.”

To experience firsthand an embodiment of strength, willpower and triumph of the spirit, attend Phoebe Mattera’s art show at Pearl MedSpa Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008.

According to Mattera, “My first art show will showcase the strength of spirit everyone has to survive and provide hope for anyone affected by negative influences in their lives.”

Wine and food will be provided by Pearl MedSpa, dessert donated by Julie’s Organic Ice Cream, and balloon art performed by nationally acclaimed balloon artist, Scott Davis.

Again, Phoebe Mattera’s art exhibit is Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 1339 NW Couch St from 4 PM to 9 PM.  Call 503.946.3888 for more information and visit www.pearlmedspa.com for directions to the exhibit.