Cook Children’s Nurse Resident Briauna Gervais has a unique reason as to why she relates well to her patients – she was once in their shoes.

When she was 14 years old, Briauna was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer, and admitted to Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth for treatment. As she underwent chemotherapy and surgery, the Creative Arts Program brought her comfort and positivity.

“I remember always asking for art supplies when I was in the hospital,” she said. “Being a teenager in a children’s hospital was tough as sometimes I felt out of place or too old for the activities. However, I discovered my love for art and the Creative Arts Program made sure I had a positive experience during my stays.”

Her painting, “Color,” was inspired by how she felt throughout her treatment. The beautiful piece features herself as a ballerina alongside an inspiring quote, “She finds color in the darkest places.”

Briauna has been cancer-free for seven years. Her experience as a patient sparked her passion to become a nurse. This summer, she joined the Medical-Surgical and Subspecialty track in the Cook Children’s Nurse Residency Program and she plans to graduate in June 2025.

When she returned to the medical center, Briauna knew it would feel familiar as she says Cook Children’s has always felt like her second home. But she had no idea she'd see her artwork from 2016 brightening up the space.

“I was so surprised when I saw my artwork hanging in the halls,” she said. “I was in the medical center for class and got off the elevator on the wrong floor with a few other nurse residents. I looked to my right and could not believe my painting was on the wall!”

“Color” will continue to inspire Briauna as she completes her nursing residency.

“It’s a good reminder of how much I’ve overcome to get where I am today,” she said. “It was not an easy journey, but I made it. I’m so incredibly grateful to be healthy enough to care for patients now. I hope I can leave a small impact on my patients, just like my nurses did for me.”