Transforming Cancer via Art

When artist and advocate Beth Palmer asked me about my motivation for creating ArtCures, her question resonated deeply, connecting me with subconscious thoughts. I need something to fight for, or cancer will triumph. As a veteran of an 18-year battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), I am familiar with the relentless nature of this disease. Having undergone nine grueling rounds of chemotherapy, I found myself in a dire situation a year ago when my CLL aggressively resurfaced, rapidly progressing to stage III.

Living with chronic, recurring cancer is a peculiar experience. After each treatment, life seemingly returns to "normal" for a brief period, only to be disrupted by the gradual increase in my white blood cell counts. However, this time, "gradual" was not an accurate description.

The alarming speed at which my leukemia attacked left everyone perplexed except Dr. John Byrd. Dr. Byrd, who had saved my life once before a decade ago, appears to have done it again. After more than a year of intensive treatment and 18 road trips to Cincinnati, my counts are approaching "normal."

Throughout my journey, I've been fortunate to form deep, lasting connections with incredible artists like Ed Besch and Michael Rees and to pursue my passion for painting under the guidance of Alton Pickens at Vassar College. Each morning, I find strength and inspiration from "Daybreak," a stunning sculpture by  Brittany Søndberg, and the countless masterpieces from artists such as Nikki Blair, Caelum McCall and Adam D. Cohen I encounter as I build my art collection of North Carolina artists (mostly). Art creates a beacon of hope, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity in my life and I hope it does the same for you.

Thanks,
Martin