A local teenager is using her love of art to raise money for something else that she’s passionate about — pediatric eye care.
Columbus North High School junior Manya Suresh is the founder of Create For a Cause, an art and photography contest that raises funds for ophthalmology research at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Over the past two years, Suresh has raised almost $5,000 for the cause through virtual competitions, she said.
There are two Create For a Cause events planned for 2023, a live event and a virtual event. The live event will be held in the Red Room of the Bartholomew County Public Library from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, with a K-6 art competition taking place from 9:30-11 a.m. Participants should bring their own art supplies, except for paper, which will be provided.
Following the competition, there will be a talk by Dr. David Plager, professor of ophthalmology and director of the section of pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus at Indiana University Medical Center. Plager, who is also an ophthalmology specialist at Riley Pediatric Ophthalmology, has been Suresh’s eye doctor for 11 years.
Those wishing to participate in the virtual contest should submit their artwork at forms.gle/HGdKqpRrXCcW3e4y6 or email it to [email protected] by March 30. According to the Create for a Cause website, this year’s theme is nature. Grades K-6 are asked to “draw something nature related,” and grades 7-12, as well as adults, are asked to submit nature photography. Two entries are allowed per participant.
There is a $5 participation fee for both events, which is due by March 30 and will benefit the IU School of Medicine. Plager shared in a promotional video that these donations will help research and education programs at both IU and Riley.
Suresh founded Create For a Cause during her freshman year of high school to raise awareness about pediatric eye conditions and promote treatment, support and management of these conditions by raising funds for the IU School of Medicine’s pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus fund.
According to the Create For a Cause website, Suresh has strabismus, a condition that causes her eyes to drift outward. Additionally, her sister has uveitis, or inflammation of the iris.
“As a Strabismus patient, people have questioned me about participating in fun activities such as performing on stage for dancing and singing, and even called me chameleon eyes,” wrote Suresh. “Creating art, and taking pictures were outlets that helped me calm down and express my feelings. Now, as a high schooler, I’m resolved to change these experiences for other kids with ophthalmic conditions who might be struggling in silence by founding CFAC.”
