About the Cover Artist

Janelle Fiesta, a 25-year-old native of Honolulu, Hawaii, is a digital illustrator and entrepreneur. She was diagnosed at age 1 year with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disorder affecting the motor neuron cells in the spinal cord.

Janelle’s passion for the arts began in elementary school, when she would draw while her peers participated in physical education classes. During this time, she diverted her attention to drawing and found that creating her cartoons brought her great joy.

While watching animated movies as a child, Janelle realized that her true passion centered on digital work. These movies filled with lively characters, intriguing stories, and magical moments made her feel happy and inspired during difficult hospital visits related to her SMA. After high school, she began studying digital art and graduated from college in 2016 with an associate degree in digital media.

While exploring her budding art career, Janelle wanted to preserve and maintain her motor function for as long as possible. When the first SMA therapy, nusinersen, was approved for children and adults, she asked her doctor about starting the treatment. In 2019, Janelle received her first dose of nusinersen, and it has helped her maintain motor function in her arms and hands, including some improvements in muscle strength and stamina. With this treatment, Janelle can continue doing things that she is passionate about, like creating art, spending time with loved ones, and working on her small art business.

With her new treatment regimen and continued enthusiasm for creating art, Janelle made her dream a reality and started her own business called Cute Loot Arts; her website is https://cutelootarts.com/. She attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family and friends.