2008, November
Landmark Gallery - Danielle O'Keefe's 1st Exhibit

Danielle O'Keefe, daughter of John and Jennifer O'Keefe, suffers with a genetic disorder known as Epidermolysis Bullosa. Epidermolysis Bullosa (commonly referred to as EB by sufferers of the disorder) affects the skin and surface areas of the body. The skin easily tears, blisters, and bleeds from very minor trauma. Damage can occur from ordinary activities such as clothing rubbing against the skin. Danielle is very interested in spreading awareness of her disorder and in 2008 she decided to participate in the federally sponsored event known as National Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week. Since she was a little child, Danielle has loved drawing, painting, and creating art. She has even won a first place award for a drawing that she entered in a local fair. She approached a Gallery in Wallingford Connecticut and asked if she could display some of her recent artwork and a brief presentation display in support of the event. The Gallery owner, Gillian Zimmerman was more than willing. Below are some photographs of Danielle, Gillian, and Danielle's artwork that was put on display.

Also in support of the event, Danielle had a front page article written about her in a local newspaper. You can read this article (and an earlier one) by clicking on the links in the menu located to your right. Both articles provide a touching summary of Danielle's life struggles with EB and how her family has rallied around her.

As a result of the artwork display and the newspaper article, Danielle was able to raise money which she donated to an EB charity.

Danielle is very interested in increasing awareness of EB with the goal of generating more financial support for research into a cure. Below is the presentation, written in her own words, that accompanied her artwork at Landmark Gallery.