Buy prints to support metastatic breast cancer research.
100% of the profits made from the sales of my art prints will be donated to METAvivor, an organization dedicated to funding research for metastatic breast cancer (MBC).
I COUNT NONE BUT GOLDEN HOURS
When I encountered Heather McManamy's story, I was struck by her immeasurable grace. Armed with every reason to choose unhappiness, instead she used her time left on this earth to imprint a tribute to her family.
For those who are unfamiliar with her story, Heather was a young mother suffering from metastatic, or stage IV, breast cancer. The disease spread to her bones and liver, meaning there is no cure. She recently became known for writing greeting cards for important moments of her four-year-old daughter's future, from Bri's first pet to her 30th birthday.
Heather kindly allowed me to immortalize her love for Bri through artwork. 100% of the profits made from the sales of the art prints will be donated to METAvivor, an organization dedicated to funding research for metastatic breast cancer (MBC).
HOW CAN I HELP OTHERS LIKE HEATHER?
I have joined the fight by supporting METAvivor, one of Heather's favorite organizations.
• I am selling 50 numbered and hand-signed prints. Order copies here.
• If you would like to donate to METAvivor directly, please click here.
• If you would like to donate to the McManamy family, please click here.
Thank you for supporting the cause.
METASTATIC BREAST CANCER: NOT SO PRETTY AND PINK
As I uncovered more information about Heather's MBC fight and that of others like her, I was surprised how much I did not know about breast cancer survival: according to METAvivor's website, only 2% of funds raised by popular breast cancer movements is relegated to metastatic cancer research. Although many of us are aware of the sales of "pink ribbon" products, not as many are aware of the dangers of MBC. Stage IV is the only form of breast cancer which kills.
On average, 30% of patients diagnosed with earlier stage breast cancer will develop stage IV. In the US alone, over 40,000 people die of MBC die each year. Funding metastasis research is the only way to enable the discovery of a cure for those currently dying of this disease. However, the disparity between fund allocation and the amount needed to help those suffering from stage IV is huge. It's high time we change that.
THE ARTWORK
Heather commissioned a necklace which symbolizes the close-knit relationship she and Brianna share. The first piece features Heather, wearing the jewelry. Although Heather's time on this earth is limited, the greeting cards she has written for her daughter are a physical manifestation of the love she has for Bri. They are like the necklace sparkling on the sundial: even as time passes, they will remain a tangible way for Brianna to cherish her mother's love.
Both works were created with watercolor, colored pencil, and metallic gouache on 300 lb. cold press watercolor paper.
PROCESS
Photographs taken during different stages of the artistic journey.
Ultimately, Heather encourages to live each day to its fullest:
"What lies ahead will happen when it happens and I refuse to waste this time dwelling on it or focusing on how unfair the universe is or the long list of things cancer has ripped away from us. We will continue to live in the moment and be grateful for what we do have (many people don't get 35 awesome years on this planet, find true love, or 4.5 years with their super cool kid). I still say that I am a very lucky girl."
Heather, thank you for your legacy of positivity and devotion. Your words reaffirm that life is about the simplest and yet most complex subject of all: love. You are a hero to your family, to myself, to countless others. You luminously glow in the face of adversity. All I can say is... Shine on, star.
