Inspiration Anita Tulsiani and Artist Theresa Bond Zelazny - both of whom live in Austin, Texas, had an immediate connection. Anita's ever positive attitude and vibrant outlook have continued to inspire Theresa throughout the collaborative process.More information is available at:https://twistoutcancer.org/brushes/midwest2023/

Inspiration Kelli Kim-Eng and Artist Kenny Lapins have so much more in common than anyone might guess. From their odd discoveries of their own cancer diagnoses, to the way the Brushes with Cancer program has brought them back to their own artistic endeavors, these two continue to connect in many unique ways.More information about the 2023 Brushes With Cancer Midwest Art Exhibition & Celebration is available at:https://twistoutcancer.org/brushes/midwest2023/

Caileigh and Gabrielle  forged an intimate collaboration across an ocean and several time zones. Through their Brushes With Cancer experience, these two very creative people have grown to influence and inspire each other daily.More information about the 2023 Brushes With Cancer Midwest Art Exhibition & Celebration is available at:https://twistoutcancer.org/brushes/midwest2023/

When Maggie and her inspiration Rachel first met, they immediately bonded over curly hair, spirituality and a love of their home state of Texas! As their connection deepened and their collaboration grew, Maggie's piece culminated in a full expression of not just what Rachel went through, but who she is.More information about the 2023 Brushes With Cancer Midwest Art Exhibition & Celebration is available at:https://twistoutcancer.org/brushes/midwest2023/

Inspiration Wendy Santana and Artist Naimah Thomas have forged an unexpected friendship through this creative process. Not only has this partnership resulted in a piece of art that has meaning for both women, but they have come to be huge supporters of each other through life's ups and downs over the past several months as well. This is a really unique story as when they got to know each, Naimah had her own personal experience with cancer. More information about the 2023 Brushes With Cancer Midwest Art Exhibition & Celebration is available at:https://twistoutcancer.org/brushes/midwest2023/

After losing her fiancé David to bone cancer in October 2020, Donna found being a part of the Twist Out Cancer community to be tremendously helpful in navigating her grief. Suhani, in first learning and then seeking to tell Donna's story on canvas, shares how Donna's openness and generosity has inspired her not only artistically but in much more fundamental ways as well. More information is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org/brushes/midwest2023/

Rebecca Leder is the author of the book, The Knock Method. In her book, Rebecca features Twist Out Cancer founder and CEO Jenna Benn Shersher. In this episode, Rebecca talks about the example Jenna and her organization set for how we can establish human connection even in moments of isolation.

Artist Giorgia Lupi, from Pentagram Design, and Daniel Mancini and Inti Valez Bolero, from Wanda Barcelona, reflect on their art installations "Brushes With Cancer" and "Woven Wonders" which they designed in collaboration with Twist Out Cancer. They discuss how they got involved with the organization, the work that they created together, and what they will be taking from the experience.  Both exhibits were on view at the WNDR Museum in Chicago in October and November 2022.The “Brushes with Cancer” exhibit from  Pentagram is a work of 278 interwoven brushstrokes, representing the moments or collaborations between Twist Out Cancer’s Inspirations and Artists, as they came together to change each other’s lives."Woven Wonders" is a larger-than-life exhibit made by Wanda Barcelona that was handmade by 12 artisans in Barcelona, weaving small strands of paper together to show how we are all interconnected and how, when cancer affects one of us, it affects us all.  There are 500 variations of weaving designs in this piece. Learn more about these exhibits here:https://twistoutcancer.org/blog/twist-out-cancer-celebrates-10-years-of-sharing-connecting-and-healing-with-special-exhibit-and-brushes-with-cancer-gala-at-wndr-museum/

Mardi and Anna, whose connections to Twist Out Cancer and to each other reach far beyond a single collaboration, share how they found support and inspiration in each other through their partnership.See the painting that Anna made for Mardi here:https://twistoutcancer.org/art/mardi-kaplan-anna-feneis/

Through their open and honest conversations, Inspiration Holli Davidove and Artist Bari Fleischer have formed a deep friendship. They inspire and support each other beyond the work of art that they are collaborating on.

Joni faced down cancer twice. Each time arming herself with a smile and some glitter. Brushes With Cancer brought Nancy into her life and together they developed a lovely piece of art and a beautiful friendship.See the beautiful painting that Nancy made for Joni here:https://twistoutcancer.org/art/joni-goldstein-nancy-rosen/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 amid such a disruptive event.

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 result in powerful work of art!