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

Artist Kate Van Doren and her Inspiration, Mary Jenkins, talk about their path together — building a relationship, telling Mary’s story through art, and what they continue to carry with them from their experience together.

Talaya's cancer journey changed everything in her life. As an Inspiration, she allowed herself to reevaluate her life and help others live in the present. Those choices have inspired artist Bettina Reiser in more ways than one.

Listen to this podcast to learn more about the connection between Talaya and Bettina.

 Inspiration Brittany Long and Artist Chris Geier had an immediate connection that has only deepened during this collaboration. Brittany's openness and willingness to share not only her stories, but her journal entries from her time during treatment, has been matched by Chris's commitment to the project and interest in reading Brittany's entire journal archive.

Art therapists Callie Cullinan and Jackie Carmody discuss their involvement with Twist Out Cancer and the Twistshop program, the impact of the program, and their hopes for the future of Twist out Cancer. 

As an 11 year cancer survivor, Maria Kouns says what stands out the most from her cancer journey are the moments of kindness and connection she experienced with the people in her life. From her family to her students, her memories from that time are far more positive than painful. The Brushes With Cancer collaboration with Artist Xia Laniel has continued in that tradition of forming connection amid such a disruptive event.

Artist Kara Thomas and her inspiration, Diona Brzezinski, talk about their experience in the Brushes with Cancer program, including the beautiful piece of art that resulted from it, and how their participation helped them both to grow and heal. 

See the art piece that came from their collaboration here:
https://twistoutcancer.org/art/diona-brzezinski-and-kara-thomas/

This collaboration brought a cross generational connection that both the artist and inspiration found to be profound. The fact that Jemma is sharing her story with Peri, who is not only the same age as Jemma's son but also the exact age Jemma was when she was first diagnosed with cancer, has had a special resonance with both of them.

Mahwish and Sheryl have so many similarities, it seems they were destined to meet. These two natural storytellers share a love of ancient cultures, genuine connection and a fascination with the divine feminine. A willingness to lean in to deep conversations and a bravery to be vulnerable and fully share their truth has brought these two women together in a strong connection that will no doubt result in powerful work of art!

Jenna had the idea for Twist Out Cancer in the middle of her own journey with cancer. While in treatment she had a vision for an organization that would focus on anyone touched by cancer.   She created a place where families touched by cancer could find connection and emotional support, not just treatment for the cancer itself.  Ten years later, she's done that and so much more!

In this conversation, we get a unique glimpse at the inner workings of Twist Out Cancer's Brushes with Cancer program. As returning participants, Kenny Lapins and Kristin Wenc give us some insights into what compels people to participate, sometimes even in different capacities, year after year!