EVAN’S STORY

Evan Geraghty, 25, has been non-verbal all of his life. He has battled with extreme autism challenges and OCD tendencies – but has always found a way to express himself through his artistic endeavours. His hope is that he can provide a living and working space for those with similar challenges to help them realize their craft.

CONVEYING A PASSION FOR ART

From his detailed streetscape drawings to his expressive abstract acrylics, Evan has found great relief and joy in communicating his eye for colour, shape, and texture through his work. Having been recognized as one of Canada’s most promising young artists by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Evan’s future looked even more exciting as he would finally be able to realize his unique purpose.

Shortly after this promising news, Evan sustained a catastrophic injury to his right arm that dramatically hindered his ability to pursue his art career. This setback proved very difficult for Evan, as he faced additional frustrations that compounded upon his many other daily challenges. However, through the miraculous work of a team of nine gifted surgeons and staff, his arm was successfully reattached, and he eventually gained full function after years of physiotherapy.

CARVING A WAY FORWARD

Evan’s family worked relentlessly to re-establish the dreams of his future, facing many hurdles to find the right support, programs, and care for his exceptional needs. Through limited living conditions, it was difficult to accommodate Evan’s need for art studio space, as well as suitable living quarters for such a unique young man transitioning into an independent adult life. Facing decade-long waiting lists for suitable housing for Evan – even finding respite care for him on occasion, was proving extremely difficult, as the many-hours journey to reach available homes made it impractical to accommodate Evan’s needs. Despite these many challenges, his family pushed through the conventional boundaries restricting autistic adults living full, balanced, independent lives.

Their tenacity finally paid off as they were successful in championing a severance of their family home allowing them to expand and update their home to finally meet Evan’s needs.

CRAFTING A LEGACY

Having secured building permits, insurances, and poured foundations for this new home, Evan and his family are now pursuing help from the construction and design industries and the community at large to donate funds and materials to realize Evan’s future.

 Donate today, and spread the word to help us make Evan’s dream a reality!