Dr. Cynthia Peacock is a Med/Peds specialist, a physician trained to treat both adult and pediatric patients. From this perspective, Peacock recognized a need among patients with genetic and developmental conditions – as they moved into adulthood, they lacked healthcare providers who were experienced in treating these complex diseases typically associated with childhood. With her background, Peacock was uniquely qualified to launch the Transition Medicine Clinic to treat this patient population.
Brandon Lack is exactly the type of patient Peacock had in mind when she established the clinic with the backing of Baylor and Texas Children’s Hospital in 2005. Now 42, Lack, who has Down syndrome, has been her patient for the better part of a decade. Lack has complex medical needs, and he and his family also draw on the social support services of the clinic.
Lack’s family describes him as a happy, handsome, personable man who happens to have Down syndrome. He also is an artist, and devotes time each day to painting, a process that allows him to channel his emotions, according to his sister Rebecca Massey.
In recognition of the care he has received at the Transition Medicine Clinic, Lack presented Peacock with one of his original paintings, part of the Free from Limits initiative he started with his family, including his sister and their mother, Katherine Murray.
The initiative awards groups and organizations an original painting or print by Lack as recognition of their support and respect for those with developmental disabilities. Since the initiative was launched four months ago, seven pieces of art have been awarded to organizations, including the original painting to Peacock and the Transition Medicine Clinic. Nominations are being sought for additional organizations to which to present Lack’s art.
“Free from Limits is a way to share Brandon’s love and inspiration,” Massey said. “Our intention is to reach individuals and organizations that demonstrate genuine respect for individuals with developmental disabilities in meaningful and beneficial ways. Dr. Peacock is an exemplary example of this. We hope that this gift will be seen as an illustrated reminder that none of us should have imposed limitations put on our potential.”
The painting, depicting a bright green tree against a blue-sky background, was presented to Peacock at the Baylor clinic last month. She was thrilled to receive it and looks forward to showing it off as a representative of what patients with developmental disabilities can achieve.
The Transition Medicine Clinic is the only clinic of its kind in the state, and one of a few in the country, serving about 700 patients with conditions such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida and others. The clinic provides primary care and healthcare coordination to patients as well as social services and access-to-care resources.
“The reason I do this is for the families and for the patients, and specifically for the parent caregivers,” Peacock said. “They were the ones saying they need this. It wasn’t me that decided to start this clinic, it was the parent caregivers, and it’s been a success.”
See more of Brandon Lack’s art on this website: http://www.brandonlackstudio.com/
BCM Family 