Close to My Heart

A few weeks ago I was honored to be asked to donate a piece of my artwork for a silent auction.  I have been asked several times to donate various items to raise money for various charities but this was different.

You see, this was a special request because of the charity.  This weekend a local ZTA sorority is hosting a "Think Pink Luncheon" at the at the Ridgeway Country Club here in Memphis.

Breast Cancer research is very important to me because of my family history.  A few years ago my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Six months later one of her three sisters was also diagnosed with breast cancer.  They also have a cousin who is a survivor and my dad had a sister who battled breast cancer and eventually lost when the cancer just kept coming back in different places.

It is hard to explain how cancer effects a family.  The moment the diagnosis is made, your life is changed forever.  What many people don't realize until they experience it is that it's not just the patient who is forever changed.  Cancer is a family disease.  Even once treatment is over and you are given the "all clear", the fear stays with you.  Just under the surface waiting to rear it's ugly head. 

 

And then there is the chemo.  My mom made it through the chemo without much difficulty, but the after effects really suck.  We make jokes about "chemo brain" and "post chemo" body, not to mention the hot flashes!  Yes, I know that some people might think it is in poor taste to make these jokes, but what else are we supposed to do?  Should we pretend like my mom's memory hasn't been affected, or that her stamina is the same as it was before treatment?  God knows we can't ignore the hot flashes and facial hair!  Okay, so lasers took care of the facial hair, but since she is on estrogen suppression protocol the hot flashes a little hard to ignore!  You can just look at her sideways and she breaks out in a sweat...even if it's 40 degrees in her house!

Long story short, it's time to find a cure.  If I can help to raise a little money to prevent other women and their families from having to endure breast cancer, then I am there!  That my friends was the inspiration behind this canvas.  I call it "Blue Lotus".  It is various shades of blues, greys, brown, bronze and creams with a heavy broken linear texture.

Well, I hope it brings it a ton of money!  It really was a priveledge to have the opportunity to to honor the women in my life by creating something in honor of their strength and grace.

Mom,  Aunt B.and D., I love you!