Cancer Sucks, Silver Gelatin Print, Gloria Baker Feinstein
Faith, Oil on Canvas, Allan Chow
We’re hosting an opening this Friday for University of Kansas Hospital’s new Cancer Center. The show’s title: The Experience of Cancer. Opening from 5:30 to 9:00. Twelve artists have contributed works that reflect how cancer has touched their lives. Cancer survivors and patients from throughout the city have been invited. This includes kids. Expect a good turnout, and hope to raise some significant funds for research.Â
It will not be a depressing show; quite the opposite actually. But it will without doubt be sobering. I trust also informative.Â
The timing of this is interesting to me. Less than two weeks ago, a friend of mine lost her battle with cancer. She spent much of her time inspiring people to look at cancer in a different light; a tool that can be used for spiritual and emotional growth.
I attempted to capture and honor her optimism and grace twice during her fight, taking photos and doing studies at KU Med’s Cancer Center while she received vitamin and chemo treatments. This week I am writing a guest column about her for the Sun, and I hope I can find words to do her strength and courage justice.
Here (http://laceylewis.blogspot.com/2007/09/week-ago-today-danette-velez.html) is more info about this friend, links to the paintings, and a link to an online journal where excerpts from her journal are being posted. Even in her own diary, she wrote as if she was speaking to someone else who needed her help!
Paul, I apologize for hijacking your blog. Thank you for hosting this show for such a good cause! I certainly hope the show does well. With any luck, I will find a way to attend. Cheers~
Lacey: You never hijack my blog, and are always welcome. Obviously your friend approached her dilemma, and the disease, with both guts and love (I now understand the painting of her, without hair, that you showed me last year). I applaud you both, and only hope I would have as much strength of character were I to face the same thing.
Wish I lived in KC.. I have a series about my own cancer experience, my Ritual Cloth series. Once again Paul, a good and worthy cause, kudos to you!
Hi:
It is so nice what you guys do. Thankfully, I’ve never had cancer, but a few family members have and had good results from their theraphy. I hope everything goes well and everyone has a great time. Best thoughts.