During this time, I tried to keep myself busy but found that I just wasn't able to do the things I had always done before. There was one night, after the mastectomy and before chemo started, I was alone, in pain, and so very scared. I cried, prayed, and shouted out. Suddenly, a very calm, familiar voice told me I was going to be alright and that I was not alone. I felt calm and at peace after that. For the next several days I had an image in my head.

Finally, I went to the craft store and bought a small set of acrylic paints and a small canvas. I've always been a crafty and creative person but I had never painted before. I painted the image and have been painting almost every day since then. I found an online site where I could trade art with other artists around the world. This gave me challenges, goals, timelines, and something I could do with my children. This was my therapy! I didn't have to think while I painted, it took my mind off the negative things going on in my life and allowed me to focus on something beautiful and creative and positive! I slowly, almost reluctantly, began sharing some of my work on social media.

An idea also began to slowly develop as well. I knew I was comfortable teaching others and I had this passion for art that was therapy for me during some very tough times. I thought that maybe I could share this with others. I mentioned it to the patient navigator at Tammy Walker Cancer Center where I had received my treatments. I didn't fully know what I was going to do yet or how exactly but I thought this was a good place to start.

I went back to teaching fourth grade the next school year, but painting was still therapy for me. It was a way for me to relieve stress. Never did I imagine anyone would be interested in buying any of my work. But, that Christmas I received a request for a painting and after that a few more. Then I was asked to donate a piece to an auction to raise money for a local art scholarship, and afterwards to participate in an Artists' Studio Open House in my community. My work continues to sell. I even sent four paintings to Australia for my first international sale.

During these months, that idea that I had began to come together. I wanted to provide art therapy for other cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and family members of patients and survivors. I wanted to create a connection between the cancer center and the art community. I wanted other artists to come and give small workshops and share their stories of inspiration if they had been affected by cancer in any way.

I have been volunteering now at the cancer center as the Art Therapy Director since April. I have given three classes to the support groups there and have been in contact with other artists about being a part of this. I am currently working with an Artist in Residence on an upcoming project. I am looking forward to reaching more people and inspiring hope through this creative process. I would love to be able to devote much more time to this project. I'm hoping that someday I might be able to do this full time. I do believe anything is possible with a little faith, love, support, and a positive attitude.

~ Jenny Redmond ~