AUGUST 19 • 2021 | 51 self, the joy of hearing that her daughter’s artwork had been accepted into the prestigious competition — alongside her own — was a surprise she never expected. A ‘SILVER LINING’ “This is a huge deal,” Terry explains. “This isn’t just a little show where everybody gets in. This is an inclusive art exhibi- tion where I generally have not seen many people who have special needs get pieces accept- ed into the show.” Not only was Mackenzie’s Statue of Liberty sculpture accepted, but it was put into the very center of the art show as a statement piece. For the young artist, who Terry says has been walking around proud of her work and posting about her achievement on Facebook, being able to serve as a model for other artists who have spe- cial needs was a surprising sil- ver lining of the experience. “Expressing herself verbally can be a challenge, but art is a creative aspect of her life where she can express herself,” Terry says. “She flies in the studio and pulls materials from all over to build and create.” Terry says her daughter Mackenzie has “come a long way” in her creative style. “She loves making things,” Terry continues. “She has to be busy to calm herself down and to calm down her nervous sys- tem. She has to keep her hands busy.” ROAD TO RECOVERY At 16 months, Mackenzie had a bad reaction to the MMR baby vaccine. “She was hospitalized, and nobody could tell what would happen to her,” Terry recalls. Mackenzie, who contin- ued to have uncontrollable sei- zures, was put into a drug-in- duced coma to calm her brain activity. When she woke up, she was in a near-vegetative state. “She lost her ability to talk and walk,” Terry says. “She basically lost all functions.” After three weeks in the hospital, Mackenzie began rehab. Doctor after doctor told Terry Mackenzie would never speak again and that the family should consider teaching her sign language. But Mackenzie pulled through, making a miraculous recovery and get- ting back most of her abilities. Now, she’s able to walk, talk and run, with Terry calling her daughter “very active” and “having a great sense of humor.” ART FOR COMMUNICATION Mackenzie’s art is a key outlet for the young adult to com- municate. At Soul Studio and beyond, her work is praised for its creative and innocent nature. She even has two finished piec- es on display at the gallery in addition to her work at BBAC, which will be displayed through August. “She’s made a name for herself over there,” Terry says, “particularly in the way she makes these Statues of Liberty.” Terry calls this milestone achievement a “signifi- cant moment” in the life of Mackenzie, who hasn’t often been included in inclusive events such as this one. For years, Mackenzie didn’t receive invites to birthday parties of friends who were neurotypical, simply because she has special needs. “Her self-esteem has shot up,” Terry says. “She loves going to Soul Studio and making art. She’s embraced by everybody, and they celebrate her differences.” With Mackenzie’s success, Terry hopes that the focus will shift away from her daughter having special needs, but instead lean into her daughter being a person who happens to have spe- cial needs who is also an artist. “I’m blown away by the prog- ress she’s made, ” Terry says. “She’s just really grown in great ways that have impressed me.” Mackenzie Matlen and her 8-foot-high Statue of Liberty. INTERESTED PERSONS PLEASE CALL: (248) 390-0095 OR (248) 860-4499 OR (248) 207-9161 “…one of America’s finest carryout-only delicatessens! Star’s reputation has never wavered!” — Danny Raskin STAR STAR DELI DELI NOW HIRING! Reliable Full or Part Time Positions TEMPORARY HOURS: 8AM-7PM EVERYDAY Carry-Out, Delivery & Curb Side Available Support Local Businesses 24555 W. 12 MILE ROAD Just west of Telegraph Road • Southfield 248-352-7377 • www.stardeli.net POSITIONS AVAILABLE: • Counter Person • Food Prep, Stock & Clean • Cashier • Cook 5829 Maple Rd. Ste. 129 West Bloomf eld, MI 48322 248.757.2503 www.maplepharmacyrx.com FREE DELIVERY MAKE MAPLE PHARMACY… YOUR PHARMACY! MAKE MAPLE PHARMACY… YOUR PHARMACY! OUR MISSION IS TO BRING SERVICE BACK TO PHARMACY FOR A HAPPIER, HEALTHIER YOU!! 10% SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT Not Valid on Prescriptions Maple Pharmacy offers: • Low Price Medications • 90 Day Supplies • Durable Medical Equipment • Diabetic Supplies • Natural Supplements, Vitamins and Nutraceuticals • Compounding bio-identical hormones, pain creams & other medications • Blister Packaging Available MAPLE MAPLE PHARMACY PHARMACY IMMUNIZATIONS AND SHINGLES SHOTS AVAILABLE www.maplepharmacyrx.com Now offering the Moderna COVID Vaccine!