Item Description

Why a bench makes sense for this breast cancer survivor?

To understand why this bench makes sense for this breast cancer survivor you have to understand the definition of two words: survivor and bench.

Webster defines a survivor as: “A person who continues to function or prosper in spite of opposition, hardship, or setbacks.”

We have known our dearest Nada for over 20 years.  During that time we have observed her experiencing, opposition, hardships, and setbacks, not just with breast cancer, but in many areas of life.  The one characteristic which defines her through all those struggles is that no matter what life throws at her, she never gives up.  As if in an epic movie, every time she is knocked back, stumbles, or falls, she picks herself up, brushes herself off, and begins again.  “With my loving Heavenly Father’s help, I will overcome this.”, “I want to be better than this.”, “I want to set a good example for my son’s.”  Over the years, these are statements we have either heard from her lips, or seen in her actions, as she chooses to get up and continue the struggle.

Now the definition of a bench: “A long seat for several persons.”  You see, no matter how a person survives, their struggle, the resulting impact on their character, plays out like a movie for all who come in contact with them, either during, or after, their experience.  Although the ultimate struggle with breast cancer is internal: one of the heart and mind, that struggle is made easier when others katartizo with that person.  Katartizo is a Greek word which means to come along side and provide support during a period of healing.  Although the journey is often made easier when one is not alone in the struggle, even if the valley has to be walked alone, anyone who survives becomes a beacon of hope for others going through similar struggles.

We have had the privilege, over the years, to be in both situations with Nada.  We only became aware of some of her struggles after-the-fact, while we have also had the opportunity to walk with her through others.  In both situations we have found inspiration in her life, and we are richer people as a result.  Why does this bench make sense for this woman?  Because  implies her struggles do not have to be made alone.  There is room for a small group of people to sit along-side her; to encourage her, to listen to the whispers of her soul, to simply be there when there are no words, to hold her hand and let her know she is valued, and she is not alone.  Or, to sit with her after those struggles, and hear the stories of her heart; to hear the words of wisdom tempered through the fires of adversity, to see the evidence of her choices to continue the struggles.  This bench represents the opportunity for those of us who choose to be a part of her struggles to be a survivor, and the benefits of the heart in seeing the fruit of her race of faith.

Item Special Note

About The Artist

This is my first experience as a Survivor Artist. I was told about the opportunity from a former Survivor Artist and thought it was a perfect opportunity for me to create something for a great cause.  I was diagnosed in 2008 with Triple Negative breast cancer. I am approaching 12 years of survivorship and that is because of Gods Mercy. I have been an involved volunteer in the community through organizations such as Sisters4Cure, Susan Komen, Kohl’s Conversation for the Cure, ABCD (After Breast Cancer Diagnosis) and The Cancer Thrives.

During my free time I enjoy crafting and participating in craft fairs; cruising abroad on the open seas and cheering on my favorite college basketball team.  I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to share my , artwork and hope that it will bless someone the way it blessed me to create it with love.