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In 1981, Cindi was injured in an accident. This left her a quadriplegic; unable to move
from her shoulders down. While in therapy, Cindi was encouraged to learn how to write with her mouth. Using a
specially designed adapted pen that she holds between her teeth, she was then able to sign her name the way she desires.
Otherwise, Cindi would have to sign her name as an “X” for the rest of her life. This was only the beginning................
In 1991, Cindi became a member of the “Mouth and Foot Painting Artists Inc.” Cindi
states, " The Association of Mouth & Foot Painting Artists has given me a purpose and challenge to pursue a talent I didn't
know I had, until after my injury." Cindi believes that the MFPA challenges it's artists to move beyond disability and move
forward to creativity and individuality. An individuality Cindi felt she didn't have when fist paralyzed. "I was compared
to Joni Eareckson Tada" (who is an acomplished author, singer, speaker, and mouth artist) "Which now I accept as a genuine
compliment, but at the time I was trying to find my own style and idenity!"
Today, 28 years later, Cindi celebrates and revels in many blessings and fond memories of her life in a wheelchair. Some
of them below........
In 2002 Cindi was selected as a "Torchbearer" of the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Torch Rely. She carried the torch in Pasadena
Ca. 2/10ths of a mile on 1-16-02. She was nominated via an essay, submitted by her dear friend Nanc’ Adams
unbeknownst to her.
In 2004 Cindi had the honor of presenting Academy Award winning actor Morgan Freeman with her painting. "We had dinner
at his restaurant Maddi, in Clarksdale MS. and afterward met him, he’s such a nice man as well as a talented actor."
In 2005 Cindi received the YWCA "Woman of Achievement Award" for "Artistic Achievement" on June 3rd. This honor
was presented to four other outstanding women whom have made the San Gabriel Valley a better community in which to live and
work.
Cindi was featured in December’s 2005 issue of Woman’s World Magazine.
Most recently, Cindi painted a portrait of the legendary blues musician B.B. King and presented it to him to be autographed.
"What a thrill to know that BB King has autographed one of my paintings" Cindi hopes to sell this and use half of the proceeds
towards the orphanage "Mothers Village"
Cindi credits her ability to accomplish so much because of her faith, family, friends and unending support of her devoted
mother Jean, loving boyfriend Mike & Sisters, Lisa & Kim.
Cindi feels that she has been given an artistic gift, because prior to her accident she never painted. While enjoying the
"Gift" God has given her, Cindi hopes to interpret his beauty through her art and inspire those around her.
You can read more about Cindi, by visiting the web page of the MFPA at www.mfpausa.com click on American Artits and her name.
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