Gratitude
On June 12, 2018, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I had 2 surgeries, 6 rounds of chemotherapy, a hospital stay for an infection, numerous IV's for hydration, 30 rounds of radiation, a year of immunotherapy and I will be on endocrine therapy for 10 years. It was at times a very difficult journey but I used humor, art, and the incredible support I received from friends and family all over the world. Every time I would begin to spiral or feel lost, a card or message arrived, lifting my spirits and giving me hope and renewed determination. It was with these messages of aloha that "Gratitude" was born.
I've been asked many times how she came to mind and the answer is that I dreamt of her for 3 nights straight. I originally thought that meant I should paint her, but I was walking by the cards on my desk and had a lightbulb moment.
I took the immense pile of cards, emails, social media posts and messages and began the task of tearing, cutting and sorting by color. I had Ziploc bags all over my living room on every surface! I did a quick sketch of her, roughed in some color so I wouldn't lose the vision in my head and began piecing and gluing, piecing and gluing...for a month. It was exciting to see her slowly emerge and every piece I glued held a story, a memory, a name, and the love that came with it. This was a collaborative effort.
As I worked on her I knew she wasn't meant for me, for my private viewing. She needed to be out in the world where others just starting or going through a cancer journey could see her, read the messages of love and support, feel the positive mana (energy) and take what they needed from her to continue on their journey. My oncologist, the wonderful Dr. Kelly Shimabukuro said it best, "For many patients, this is the darkest time of their lives...patients need to see that they can get through this, that there is a light at the end of the tunnel."
I donated Gratitude to Kaiser Permanente Hawaii's Oncology Ward where it will be displayed for patients to see in August 2019. I will have completed my treatment in September 2019...
Since the airing of KHON2's "Inspirational Person of the Week" on August 21, 2019, people have sent messages of love and support. I'm humbled by the outpouring of aloha. Many of you have asked if they could get a print or card of Gratitude and I'm pleased to announce those are available here.
A portion of all proceeds from the sale of Gratitude will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I chose them because 91 cents of every dollar goes directly to research a cure.
Mahalo to you all, I love you, I cherish you, this second chance at life and most of all, my heart is filled with gratitude.