After getting diagnosed with schizophrenia and living in Edmonton’s homeless shelters, it was through art Madeline LeBlanc was able to regain control of her life. 

As a kid, LeBlanc was interested in becoming an artist. However, in high school she was dissuaded as her friends said artists make too little money and made too little difference in the world.

When she was 18, LeBlanc was kicked out of her childhood home. While trying to finish high school and working late nights at an arena, LeBlanc fell ill with psychosis, which was later diagnosed as a symptom of schizophrenia. 

“I started talking to birds and believed I was on a mission to save the world,” LeBlanc said. 

Source: ‘It gave me hope’: Art helps Edmonton woman overcome homelessness