Hello, it is Theresa Byrnes here. I am an artist. My 37-year, multi-disciplinary career as a painter, performance artist, and author etch a bold path. Doctors told me I would die by thirty, so I moved to New York 23 years ago. Now 53, I have surpassed many grizzly milestones with tenacity and gratitude for life, NOW is the time for the IHaveABody project!

I have Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), an inherited genetic condition. Like many other genetic conditions, it reduces energy production in the mitochondria of the nervous system and muscle cells, a progressive, neurodegenerative movement disorder resulting in the loss of the ability to walk and slurred speech. FA is a research model for other genetic diseases, such as many types of cancer and Alzheimer's.

Inspired by epigenetics and Vedic tradition, the IHaveABody project combines The Arts, The Sciences, and The Cosmic to develop a transformative protocol to alleviate and possibly eradicate FA symptoms. As of now, medical science offers no cure or treatment for FA.

I am collaborating with a neuroscientist Milo Smith Ph.D., who was researching Neuroplasticity at Mount Sinai, New York. Our collaboration joins scientific understanding with artistic expression and cosmic awareness to fully comprehend FA and other genetic disorders' changeability.

I seek funding for the documentary "IHaveABody' which shows the process and results of the restorative regimen that combines new scientific and ancient therapeutics with the creative and spiritual arts. Based in NYC's Lower East Side, utilizing the borough's deep pool of talent.

With your generous support, I can pay for everything and everyone involved.
THE TEAM:
*a trainer and local therapists, a videographer, an editor and a composer. 
*therapeutic vitamin & mineral supplements.
*rent a studio, and buy supplies to make paintings expressing micro-biophysical phenomena.

 
I incorporated "Theresa Byrnes Foundation" with seven close friends in 1996 in Australia, raising over a quarter million dollars to fund scientific research into developing a cure for FA (gene transfer therapy). In 1997 I was featured on a 60 minutes EPISODE. I was campaigning to raise funds for research, and they quoted me saying, 'it's a race against time, regarding developing treatment or cure for FA.

I moved to New York in 2000 to continue my career as a painter, not waiting and not racing. Now, 22 years later, with all I have learned and continue to learn about creating art, health and happiness while experiencing FA, in the same positive spirit of not waiting then, I now fundraise for developing a treatment for FA, with the IHaveABody project.

I believe in diverse humanity - there are many ways to experience life. I do not aim or be other than who I am. I aspire to be the best I can be, which is the core of this IHaveABody project.

Within the project's developing protocol to trancend my genetic code, I practice intense meditation and do performance art (visually guided public contemplation).and make microbiological abstract paintings by visualizing cellular processes. I do daily figurative sketches illustrating and projecting the development of my body and small abstract paintings depicting the assembly of pre-mRNA in the DNA - the genetic dance, culminating in a triptych celebrating and representing the easy transfer of frataxin into the mitochondria. The major work is the measured effects of the IHaveABody project on my body.

This experimental, multi-pronged project will span 18 months and include two more performances. The premiere screening of IHaveABody - the documentary will be in 2025, and all who donate, big or small, will be invited to the champagne reception.

Segment funding for the IHaveABody project documentary.

COPPER SPOSOR, $3000 - $4000

BRONZE SPONSOR, $5000

SILVER SPONSOR, $10,000 

full training section, 

GOLD SPONSOR, $15,000

the art making section,

rent a studio $1,200 p/mth for 12 mon = 14,400

materials - $600

PLATINUM SPONSOR, $50.000.

structured filming schedule, 1 day per week including post production.

DIAMOND SPONSOR = silver, gold and platinum, $75,000

With further funding I will take The IHaveABody project and documentary to the NEXT level. My home workouts go pro, taken to the gym  working with a trainer and I start a structured filming schedule. 

Having FA has granted me an overview of human nature and a view from the vanguard of mortality. Being an artist since the age of sixteen, launching "The Theresa Byrnes" foundation at the age of twenty-six (TBF inc), writing my memoir at the age of twenty-eight (The Divine Mistake, Pan Macmillan) and moving to New York City at thirty. Opening a gallery studio at the age of forty and having a baby at the age of forty-five has led me to know with passion and vision, we can achieve anything. My latest challenge and aim through the IHaveABody Project is to be an experiment exploring the human plasticity of an inherited genetic disease.

If through the process of this multidisciplinary project, I walk again, stand more strongly or talk more clearly, great but no matter what end - I am a process artist!

I hope you contribute to IHaveAbody and be part of this groundbreaking project. I will list you in the film's credits no matter how small your donation is; if you donate $1,000-$4.900, you become a bronze sponsor and 5-$10,000, you become a silver sponsor and a gold sponsor at $50.000. If you want a painting in thanks for your contribution, let us stay in contact.

We all HaveABody, and we are all creators!

Thank you,

Theresa

P.S

I launched the project campaign on Oct. 16, with the performance ‘IHaveABody,’ about my physical transformation using a radical mix. The performance, using natural pigments, was a well received, affective and vibrant meditation.

Update Feb 11, 2023

I have gained strength, from 4-5 pound dumbbell curls, now 8-9 pound. Chest dumbbell press was 6 pounds, now 14 pounds. My legs have gained overall strength, my standing has gained stability and strength utilizing my leg muscles more than my arms pulling me forward and up. 

My voice is a little clearer.

I have begun the smaller paintings and have amassed nearly 100 daily drawings. I have been developing the second performance piece for the project, working title - "Outline For A Tree" it will be filmed and performed within a studio setting and open to the public.