It's a self portrait with a purpose . . . just one 16-year-old Jesse Gemmell could never have known when she put paint to canvas more than five years ago.

Jesse's stunning piece of art has been garnering rave reviews for years, ever since she created the masterpiece while a student at Cheam elementary. The painting then hung in the family home, never failing to draw the admiration and praise of those who saw it.

But a higher calling was still ahead. Along with her mom Kim, Jesse, who is autistic, is selling prints of the painting to help raise funds for autism research.

"Jesse was elated and it has helped her self-esteem," says Kim about the decision to try and raise money through sales of the painting. "She loves the idea of supporting autism research because of all the help they have given our family."

And while coming up with the fundraising idea was easy enough for Kim, life as a mother of two has been anything but. While Jesse was afflicted with autism, her youngest child, Avery, spent the first few years of his life clinging to life as he endured a number of heart surgeries.

Kim and her husband, local realtor Cam Gemmell, spent long days and nights at Children's Hospital wondering if Avery was strong enough to survive. An indomitable spirit grew out of their shared crisis.

"I don't believe in the 'poor me syndrome,' " says Kim. "I just tell people to give their kids a tighter hug at bedtime."

Friend and Grey Area Gallery owner Jacquie Simpson marvels at Kim's ability to remain upbeat despite the grave situations she has faced over the years.

"She just has a sunny disposition," says Simpson. "She's always happy . . . and most people have never been as challenged."

Part of the funds raised through the sale of the prints will go towards publishing Kim's amazing journey, the details of which she has chronicled in brAvery, entitled after 13-year-old son Avery's brave battle to overcome four heart surgeries and the ensuing complications. Proceeds from the book are earmarked for Children's Hospital.

"I hope readers will find it an inspiring journey to overcome adversity," says Kim. "You can have a wonderful life even if it's not picture perfect."

And while a lot rides on sales of the painting, Jesse is confident others will like what her talent has produced.

"I said to myself I was proud of doing the painting," she says. "I'm happy everyone loves it. I did a good job."

? Jesse's self portrait is currently hanging in the Grey Area Gallery, located at 101-7408 Vedder Rd. Those wishing to purchase a print, which come in a variety of options from framed to wood-backed to print alone on foam core, can call Kim at 604-792-1408. Simpson says the The Grey Area Gallery will host an autism fundraiser, featuring Jesse's self-portrait, sometime in January.

kgoudswaard@chilliwacktimes.com