Cancer and Me

I don't know of many people who haven't been affected by cancer. Each family has their inherited illnesses and cancer is part of my family history.

When I was a child, my Grandmother was diagnosed with bone and lung cancer. It was a long and arduous battle that she eventually gave into after a very strong fight. But I was just a child and death is death, no matter what the cause.

My Grandmother Rosie

When I was 13, my Aunt Marjorie, a shining beacon in the world, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought hard and I thought surely she was young enough (barely into her 40s) and strong enough to beat it. She fought for a very long time and the battles took a devastating toll on her body. Her round, rosy cheeks withered away and soon she was almost unrecognizable as the vivacious and exuberant woman I had known all my life. If every person wonders at least once in their life why a good person must die, my Aunt Marjorie was that person for me. In a world filled with darkness and sorrow, she lived to make it a better place. I was 14 when she passed away.

My Aunt Marjorie and me

Several years ago my sister was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. My sister, still in her 20s. My sister, my other half, the one who encompasses all the spaces that I cannot fill myself, now had her turn to put on a brave face and fight this beastly thing. But I must tell you, of all the cancers (of which there are many) thyroid is the one you want. I think that was the biggest blessing out of this whole ordeal. Thyroid cancer is a lazy monster and can be dealt with accordingly. As of 2010 (I think) she is cancer-free and now has a baby! Without tails! You can read about her cancer shenanigans here. 

My sister Rachel and myself as children and then adults (hardly)

 About a year and a half ago (so...January 2011) my last remaining Grandmother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. To say I was horrified and upset and in denial and slightly deranged because of it is an understatement. I've always seen my Grandmother as immortal; the bubbly laughter and silly dithers that would never ever go away. Ever. I mean, if she WAS going to die, it would be a long time in the future. And it would be kind and gentle and she would be sleeping. But this wasn't meant to be. When I first heard of it, the doctors said she had two weeks to live. Eventually they extended those two weeks into a couple months. My Grandmother, the loving and inspiring woman who called me her pet and often reminded me of how, when I was a child, I would dress up in long dresses but still wear rain boots in hot Californian weather now had a time limit. She passed away, ever the celebrator of life, on her birthday: March 25, 2011.
 

My Grandmother Martha

Lastly, there is my Grandfather. If you want to talk about a fighter, he is it. He is strong and stubborn, joyful and strict. He has eyebrows that could easily be brushed back into the rest of his hair, and mischievous eyes. My Grandfather has had MANY types of cancer. But none have been as strong as he. He has beaten them all, with a smile nonetheless. He will be 92 this year and he still has his drivers license and can still drive well (probably better than me). He is my hero.

My Grandfather David

 Cancer has been such a powerful villain in my life and so I've decided to do my best to help beat it. In my Etsy store you will find unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry inspired by and containing my artwork. I will be donating 10% of the profits from each piece sold to Pinups Against Cancer. During the month of October, to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I will be donating 50% of the profits from my Etsy store to Pinups Against Cancer.