Artist Janice Zeuch, left, and Inspiration Sophia Bamiatzis in front of “Viva” at the participant reception for the 2021 Brushes with Cancer program in the Midwest.
The human connection. Never is it more important than when someone is hurting or in need of help.
And when someone receives a cancer diagnosis, it can feel like the loneliest place to be. It’s when loving support from friends and family is needed most — to offer words of encouragement, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold.
Even the kindness of strangers can make a big difference between a good or bad day.
Twist Out Cancer, founded in 2012 by cancer survivor Jenna Benn Shersher of Glencoe, brings those affected by cancer — previvors, survivors and caregivers — together with artists to share their journeys through the beauty of art.
The artist and Inspiration, as they are called, spend time together, connecting, feeling, sharing. The artist then spends five months creating a unique work of art based on how they see the Inspiration’s cancer journey.
It all culminates with an exhibit in November. Anyone who would like to participate in this program can visit twistoutcancer.org/brushes/ by Monday, Feb. 28.
Joshua Taustein, director of marketing and communications for Twist Out Cancer, shares more about the organization and this program.
Q: What is Twist Out Cancer? Give a brief overview of what the organization does and who you serve.
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A. Twist Out Cancer provides psychosocial support to cancer survivors and their loved ones through creative arts programming. The organization was built on the belief that when you share, the world opens up.
It was founded 10 years ago by Jenna Benn Shersher, who is from Glencoe and was diagnosed with grey zone lymphoma at the age of 29. When she completed treatment, she knew that she wanted to give back in a meaningful way.
She recognized the power of sharing and the importance of creating a support community that caters to the psychosocial needs of those affected by cancer. Thus, Twist Out Cancer was born.
Q: Where do the majority of your donations come from?
A. The work of Twist Out Cancer is made possible through generous individual donors.
Q: How many people per year do you serve?
A. Since Twist Out Cancer was founded in 2012, it has positively impacted more than 146,000 people. This includes 1,170 people who participated in our Brushes with Cancer program as either an Inspiration or Artist, which has led to 580 unique pieces of art that have been created to represent 580 individual journeys with cancer.
Q: Tell us about the Brushes with Cancer program? Who can take part?
A. The Brushes with Cancer program matches Inspirations (previvors, survivors and caregivers) with artists, who create a unique piece of artwork that reflects their personal journey with cancer.
The individual who has been touched by cancer shares their ‘twist on cancer’ — stories, feelings and experiences — with the artist, which serves as the inspiration for the art. The program concludes with an art exhibit and celebratory event for the participants, their families, and the community.
The 2022 Midwestern program will take place Saturday, Nov. 12, as a hybrid event — with an in-person event at Moonlight Studios, 1446 W. Kinzie St., Chicago, and virtual program to go along with it.
Inspirations have an exclusive bidding window to purchase the artwork. Once that is over, the auction is open to the public.
Inspirations and artists from the Chicago area and around the world can apply to be part of the free program at twistoutcancer.org/brushes/.
Applications will be accepted through Monday, Feb. 28.
Q: What else would you like readers to know?
A. In addition to its Brushes with Cancer program, Twist Out Cancer also offers Twistshops, which are art therapy programs that aim to find additional avenues to promote healing, relaxation, and emotional recovery through creative-based interventions for those touched by cancer.
Over the last year, they have included art therapy sessions, a weekly meditation series, sound bowl healing, yoga and creative journal writing.
More information on upcoming virtual Twistshops are available at twistoutcancer.org/events/.
