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

August and Brad discuss their unique partnership, which began when they were paired together for Brushes With Cancer and has grown into something nobody could've predicted.

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.

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.

 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.

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 ami...

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. 

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 resu...

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!  

In this special glimpse at the early stages of the creation process, Artist Rebecca Roin and Inspiration Marie Wynn let us into the way a painting begins to form.  Marie is one year beyond Remission and still has access to a lot of the difficult and surprising emotions that often come from living with cancer. As a previous Twist Out Cancer artist, Rebecca is insightful and the perfect person to ac...

Artist Tracie Strange talks about her experience in the 2022 Southern Brushes With Cancer program.  She discusses the strong connection she felt with her Inspiration, Lindsay Kimmel, who inspired her art piece, “Transcendence."  Tracie learned so much from her experience, and listen in to find out more!  You can view “Transcendence" here: https://twistoutcancer.org/art/lindsay-kimmel-and...

Inspiration Amanda Marion, from Converse, Texas, and Artist Barbara Mason, from Frisco, Texas,  discuss what they shared and how they both grew through their Brushes with Cancer experience. View the beautiful art piece, Intertwined, here: https://twistoutcancer.org/art/amanda-marion-and-barbara-j-mason/  

Inspiration Michelle de Nicola discusses how music and art helped her through her "cancer adventure" and the importance of finding support, whether it's a support group, a workshop, or just someone who understands what you're going through. Take a look at “Emerging Immersion,” the beautiful painting made by artist Muktha Ananda for Michelle here. https://twistoutcancer.org/art/...

Inspiration Erin Morrison and Artist Alexandra Hart share the story of how they met, discovered how much they had in common, and learned from each other through their partnership. You can view "Bluebird," which is the painting Alexandra made for Erin, here: https://twistoutcancer.org/art/erin-morrison-and-alexandra-hart/ More information is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org

Inspiration Bobbie Marchand and Artist Valley Bak share their experience as part of the 2022 Southern Brushes With Cancer program. Take a look at “Beautiful Proliferation #1 and #2," and read statements from Bobbie and Valley here: https://twistoutcancer.org/art/bobbie-marchand-and-valley-bak/ More information is available at https://twistoutcancer.org /

Inspiration Cortina Peters and the artist she worked with, Cami Baker Miller, reflect on their experience in the Brushes With Cancer program. “Emerging Beauty” is the art piece made by Cami, which represents Cortina's personal journey with cancer.  See the art piece here. https://twistoutcancer.org/art/cortina-peters-and-cami-baker-miller/ More information is available at: https://twistoutcan...

Artist Tayler Shannon and her inspiration Kristie Teal shared how they became involved in the Brushes with Cancer program, how their relationship blossomed, and the experience of creating art together. Take a look at “Flowers for Kristie” here: https://twistoutcancer.org/art/kristie-teal-and-tayler-shannon/ More information is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org / 

Sarah and Judy discuss creating a bond as they connected and created art. They share their discoveries and revelations about living with cancer, making a new friend, and the creative process.  “Storm Receding - Sunlight Beckons” is the painting that Judy made for Sarah.  See it here. https://twistoutcancer.org/art/sarah-wartell-and-judy-abplanalp/ More information on Twist Out Cancer is available...

In this episode, learn about how, despite being on different sides of the world - Inspiration Rena Williams in Northern Illinois and Artist Murielle Cohen in Israel - they formed an unbreakable connection and an everlasting bond.  They talk about their path together, from building a relationship, telling Rena’s story through art, and what they will continue to carry with them from their experience...

Artist Sheryl Ann Noday and her inspiration, Peter Beck, talk about their path together over these months—building a relationship, telling Peter’s story through art, and what they continue to carry with them from their experience together. Sheryl said "I knew I wanted to create a painting whereby Peter could see himself doing what he loved, to see himself healthy in an environment in which he...

Artist Karen Hidalgo and her Inspiration Michael Holtz became fast friends through the Brushes With Cancer program - they are both silly and sarcastic and enjoyed each other's company.  Not only is Karen an artist in the Southern BWC program, she is a former Inspiration.  Learn how this helped her understand Michael's journey with cancer and turn it into a unique piece of artwork. Karen&...

Artist Magdalena Cuevas and and her Inspiration Martha Acosta talk about their path together — from building a relationship, telling Martha’s story through art, and what they will continue to carry with them from their experience. Magdalena said that Martha "represents strength, determination, and beauty. Her spirit is something to admire and be completely inspired by. Martha and I connected...

In this episode , artist Erin Greganti and and her inspiration Jennifer King about their path together — from building a relationship, telling Jennifer’s story through art, and what they will continue to carry with them from their experience. Erin said, "The image is of a superhero mounted on her steed, charging in to save the day. If you look closely, you can see within the horse’s determine...