NORTHBRIDGE, Mass. – A new mural in Northbridge showcases the work of a 17-year-old teen who has used art as a crucial part of his recovery from stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma.

Nate Isaacs told the Make-a-Wish Foundation that art is essential to him, and has often acted as a lifesaver.

“I always have a sketchbook with me to draw whatever comes to mind,” Isaacs said. “I am convinced that my sketchbook and pencils saved me during the six months I had to undergo chemo. I was at Dana-Farber for most of the week, and putting my mind elsewhere than in an infusion room was crucial.”

Now, he’s taking a break from pencil and paper to work on the mural with local artist Ben Jundanian, a 2012 graduate of MassArt who has been mentoring Isaacs as they paint together at Plummer Park Skate Park.

Jundanian sai,d the mural is easy for someone who’s just picking up their first can of spray paint, allowing Isaacs to enjoy the work without worrying about feeling too much pressure.

“His artwork is astounding,” Jundanian said. “And so to not have the pressure of creating something perfect and photo-realistic, and let him play inside the little sandbox is really fun.”

For the Isaacs family, the wish has been a healing process. Ron Isaacs, Nate’s father, said his dedication to the mural matches his dedication to his sketchbook during treatments.

“If I were him and I were asked, ‘Would you like to come back tomorrow when it’s 90 degrees and work with Ben some more’ I would have visions of an air-conditioner and maybe some lemonade with ice in it,” Ron Isaacs said. “And when I just asked him, he said, ‘Oh yeah, sure.'”

The mural is just the beginning of Isaacs’ granted wish. Later this month, he will attend MassArt’s pre-college summer studios program, where he’ll be able to take a big step toward living out his dream of a life in the arts.

Isaacs’ wish was sponsored by a local donor with a passion for the arts and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The mural project is sponsored by the Northbridge Playground & Recreation Committee.