Stories of Hope and Inspiration from Twist Out Cancer's Brushes With Cancer Program

In this episode, we hear from Bob Brams, who is a Brain Cancer survivor, his wife and caregiver, Kim, and the artist Bob was matched with, Jean Schlesinger. They  all live in Maryland.

Bob shares the story from diagnosis to surgery and recovery. Kim’s unwavering support and advocacy were crucial during this time, as she coordinated his care and ensured he received the best possible treatment.

Bob’s involvement with the Brushes with Cancer program connected him with artist Jean Schlesinger. Their collaboration not only provided Bob with a creative outlet but also highlighted the therapeutic power of art in healing and community building. Jean’s artwork, inspired by Bob’s meditation practice and the tranquil Chesapeake Bay, became a symbol of hope and resilience.

More information about the Brushes With Cancer Fall 2025 Program is available here.
https://twistoutcancer.org/brushes-with-cancer-fall-2025/

In this episode, we delve into the transformative journey of Ashley Smith and Caryn Frishman, who were brought together by the 2024 Brushes with Cancer program at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami.

Listen as Ashley, a melanoma survivor, and Caryn, an artist and cancer survivor herself (both from Miami) share their inspiring story of connection, healing, and the profound impact of art. Discover how their bond transcended the canvas, offering both a new perspective on life and a celebration of resilience.

Join us for an exploration of the healing power of art and the enduring strength of human connection.

More information about the Brushes with Cancer program at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami is available here.
https://www.arshtcenter.org/arsht-impact/arts-and-wellness/brushes-with-cancer/

Join us in this heartfelt episode as we explore the transformative journey of Tina Domske, a resilient cancer survivor, and Violet Alexandre, a talented artist, who were matched through the Fall 2025 Brushes with Cancer program. 

Tina and Violet share their inspiring stories of connection and healing through art. Discover how Tina's battle with metastatic breast cancer led her to embrace vulnerability and community, while Violet channels empathy and creativity to craft a unique art piece that reflects Tina's journey with cancer. 

Together, they reveal the profound impact of art in navigating life's challenges and fostering hope. Tune in to witness the power of expression and the beauty of human connection. 

Inspiration Jorge Ginzo and Artist Oscar Montoya are part of the Brushes with Cancer program at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami.  Jorge is a survivor of Colon cancer and in this episode, Jorge and Oscar share the unexpected similarities in their personal stories and how they continually advocate for early testing among men.

Inspiration Merton Briggs - from Newark, Delaware - shares his story as a Multiple Myeloma survivor and how he responded when he was only given a few months to live. As part of the Brushes With Cancer program, he was matched with artist Matthew Eckerle, who is from Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Their connection started on a zoom call, which led to a true admiration for one another and a life-long friendship.

You can view the art piece that Matt created for Merton here:
https://www.twistoutcancer.org/art/merton-briggs-matt-eckerle/

More information is available at:
https://www.twistoutcancer.org/brushes/winter2025/

In this episode, Inspiration Michelle Hobart shares her story as a breast cancer survivor and how she kept her diagnosis a secret to start, and then shared it with family and friends. As part of the Brushes With Cancer program, she was matched with artist Angela Scalisi. Their connection started on a zoom call, which led to a five hour walk together, and an everlasting friendship.

You can view the painting that Angela created for Michelle here:
https://www.twistoutcancer.org/art/michelle-hobart-angela-scalisi/

More information is available at:
https://www.twistoutcancer.org/brushes/winter2025/

Crystal Bichalski and Joelle Bilow connected through astrology for the last three years. Crystal is a globally recognized predictive astrologist and astrotherapist based in Montclair, New Jersey. When Crystal was diagnosed with stage 2 ovarian cancer, Joelle immediately thought that she would benefit from participating in Brushes with Cancer. Joelle has participated as a Brushes with Cancer artist 6 times and has served on the Twist Out Cancer board for the last 7 years. Their connection has only deepened over the last few months, and true healing has begun for Crystal. Here is their story.

You can view the painting that Joelle created for Crystal here:
https://www.twistoutcancer.org/art/crystal-buchalski-joelle-bilow/

More information is available at:
https://www.twistoutcancer.org/brushes/winter2025/

Inspiration Bond Courtney, who lives in Atlanta, connected with Artist Rosa Henriquez in Miami as part of the Winter 2025 Brushes With Cancer program. Over the last six months these strangers have become dear friends who were able to open up to one another in new and meaningful ways. Rosa was able to take these stories to create a unique piece of art that represents Bond's personal journey with cancer.

You can view the painting that Rosa made for Bond here:
https://www.twistoutcancer.org/art/bond-courtney-rosa-henriquez/

More information is available at:
https://www.twistoutcancer.org/brushes/winter2025/

Inspiration Anita Tulsiani and Artist Theresa Bond Zelazny - both of whom live in Austin, Texas, had an immediate connection. Anita's ever positive attitude and vibrant outlook have continued to inspire Theresa throughout the collaborative process.

More information is available at:
https://twistoutcancer.org/brushes/midwest2023/

Inspiration Kelli Kim-Eng and Artist Kenny Lapins have so much more in common than anyone might guess. From their odd discoveries of their own cancer diagnoses, to the way the Brushes with Cancer program has brought them back to their own artistic endeavors, these two continue to connect in many unique ways.

More information about the 2023 Brushes With Cancer Midwest Art Exhibition & Celebration is available at:
https://twistoutcancer.org/brushes/midwest2023/