Stories of Hope and Inspiration from Twist Out Cancer's Brushes With Cancer Program

In this podcast, August Spree of Twist Out Cancer speaks to Jackie Herigodt, the Director of Partnerships and Engagement at Imerman Angels. Jackie has also been an Inspiration in a Brushes With Cancer program. Listen to how Jackie's journey has been shaped by loss, resilience, and ultimately, connection. What emerges is not just a narrative about cancer, but a reflection on what it means to be supported, understood, and truly seen.See the art piece made for Jackie as part of the Brushes With Cancer program here:https://twistoutcancer.org/art/jackie-herigodt-jeff-guerrero/To learn more about Imerman Angels and their upcoming gala https://imermanangels.org/2026gala/

In this inspiring interview, Inspiration Alique Topalian shares her journey as a cancer survivor and advocate, and discusses her participation in the Brushes with Cancer program. Jackie Carmody, an artist, explains her creative process in capturing Alique's story through art, highlighting the healing power of storytelling and artistic expression.You can view the art piece here:https://twistoutcancer.org/art/alique-topalian-and-jackie-carmody/

In this episode of Twist Out Cancer's podcast, host August Spree interviews Patricia San Pedro, a cancer thriver and Emmy award-winning filmmaker. Patricia shares her journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer, the importance of community and chosen family during her treatment, and how she documented her experience to help others. The conversation explores themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the healing power of art, culminating in Patricia's projects like 'The Cancer Dancer' and her involvement with Twist Out Cancer.

In this episode, host Soraya Fata interviews Marty Hogan, a leukemia survivor and the founder of Windsor Tough. They discuss Marty's cancer journey, his connection to Twist Out Cancer, and his organization's mission to raise awareness and expand the blood stem cell donor registry. The conversation highlights the importance of community.More information about Windsor Tough is available at https://www.windsortough.org/

Join us in this heartfelt episode of "Power Partners: The Cancer Caregiver" as August Spree sits down with Charlotte Bayala, founder of the Cancer Caregiver.Discover Charlotte's personal journey through her husband's cancer diagnosis and how it inspired her to support others in similar situations. This episode delves into the emotional challenges caregivers face and the importance of self-care and community support. Tune in to hear stories of resilience, vulnerability, and the power of sharing experiences. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that highlights the strength found in caregiving.Host August Spree is joined by Twist Out Cancer Board Member and Inspiration, Soraya Fata.See the art piece that was made for Charlotte as part of a recent Brushes With Cancer program here:https://twistoutcancer.org/art/charlotte-a-bayala-and-bari-fleischer/More information about Charlotte is available at www.charlottebayala.com/.

In this episode, August Spree speaks with Leah Phillips, founder of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative, who shares her personal journey with lung cancer, the stigma surrounding the disease, and her efforts to advocate for younger patients diagnosed with lung cancer. Leah discusses the importance of community, education, and visibility in supporting those affected by lung cancer, as well as her involvement in the Brushes with Cancer program. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and support for lung cancer patients, particularly those under 50, and the initiatives being undertaken to address these challenges.More information about the Young Lung Cancer Initiative is available at https://ylci.org/.

In this episode, we hear from Bob Brams, who is a Brain Cancer survivor, his wife and caregiver, Kim, and the artist Bob was matched with, Jean Schlesinger. They  all live in Maryland.Bob shares the story from diagnosis to surgery and recovery. Kim’s unwavering support and advocacy were crucial during this time, as she coordinated his care and ensured he received the best possible treatment.Bob’s involvement with the Brushes with Cancer program connected him with artist Jean Schlesinger. Their collaboration not only provided Bob with a creative outlet but also highlighted the therapeutic power of art in healing and community building. Jean’s artwork, inspired by Bob’s meditation practice and the tranquil Chesapeake Bay, became a symbol of hope and resilience.More information about the Brushes With Cancer Fall 2025 Program is available here.https://twistoutcancer.org/brushes-with-cancer-fall-2025/

In this episode, we delve into the transformative journey of Ashley Smith and Caryn Frishman, who were brought together by the 2024 Brushes with Cancer program at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami.Listen as Ashley, a melanoma survivor, and Caryn, an artist and cancer survivor herself (both from Miami) share their inspiring story of connection, healing, and the profound impact of art. Discover how their bond transcended the canvas, offering both a new perspective on life and a celebration of resilience. Join us for an exploration of the healing power of art and the enduring strength of human connection.More information about the Brushes with Cancer program at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami is available here.https://www.arshtcenter.org/arsht-impact/arts-and-wellness/brushes-with-cancer/

Join us in this heartfelt episode as we explore the transformative journey of Tina Domske, a resilient cancer survivor, and Violet Alexandre, a talented artist, who were matched through the Fall 2025 Brushes with Cancer program. Tina and Violet share their inspiring stories of connection and healing through art. Discover how Tina's battle with metastatic breast cancer led her to embrace vulnerability and community, while Violet channels empathy and creativity to craft a unique art piece that reflects Tina's journey with cancer. Together, they reveal the profound impact of art in navigating life's challenges and fostering hope. Tune in to witness the power of expression and the beauty of human connection. 

Inspiration Jorge Ginzo and Artist Oscar Montoya are part of the Brushes with Cancer program at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami.  Jorge is a survivor of Colon cancer and in this episode, Jorge and Oscar share the unexpected similarities in their personal stories and how they continually advocate for early testing among men.

Inspiration Merton Briggs - from Newark, Delaware - shares his story as a Multiple Myeloma survivor and how he responded when he was only given a few months to live. As part of the Brushes With Cancer program, he was matched with artist Matthew Eckerle, who is from Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Their connection started on a zoom call, which led to a true admiration for one another and a life-long friendship.You can view the art piece that Matt created for Merton here:https://www.twistoutcancer.org/art/merton-briggs-matt-eckerle/More information is available at:https://www.twistoutcancer.org/brushes/winter2025/

In this episode, Inspiration Michelle Hobart shares her story as a breast cancer survivor and how she kept her diagnosis a secret to start, and then shared it with family and friends. As part of the Brushes With Cancer program, she was matched with artist Angela Scalisi. Their connection started on a zoom call, which led to a five hour walk together, and an everlasting friendship.You can view the painting that Angela created for Michelle here:https://www.twistoutcancer.org/art/michelle-hobart-angela-scalisi/More information is available at:https://www.twistoutcancer.org/brushes/winter2025/

Crystal Bichalski and Joelle Bilow connected through astrology for the last three years. Crystal is a globally recognized predictive astrologist and astrotherapist based in Montclair, New Jersey. When Crystal was diagnosed with stage 2 ovarian cancer, Joelle immediately thought that she would benefit from participating in Brushes with Cancer. Joelle has participated as a Brushes with Cancer artist 6 times and has served on the Twist Out Cancer board for the last 7 years. Their connection has only deepened over the last few months, and true healing has begun for Crystal. Here is their story.You can view the painting that Joelle created for Crystal here:https://www.twistoutcancer.org/art/crystal-buchalski-joelle-bilow/More information is available at:https://www.twistoutcancer.org/brushes/winter2025/

Inspiration Bond Courtney, who lives in Atlanta, connected with Artist Rosa Henriquez in Miami as part of the Winter 2025 Brushes With Cancer program. Over the last six months these strangers have become dear friends who were able to open up to one another in new and meaningful ways. Rosa was able to take these stories to create a unique piece of art that represents Bond's personal journey with cancer.You can view the painting that Rosa made for Bond here:https://www.twistoutcancer.org/art/bond-courtney-rosa-henriquez/More information is available at:https://www.twistoutcancer.org/brushes/winter2025/

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!

Jenna had the idea for Twist Out Cancer in the middle of her own journey with cancer. While in treatment she had a vision for an organization that would focus on anyone touched by cancer.   She created a place where families touched by cancer could find connection and emotional support, not just treatment for the cancer itself.  Ten years later, she's done that and so much more!

In this conversation, we get a unique glimpse at the inner workings of Twist Out Cancer's Brushes with Cancer program. As returning participants, Kenny Lapins and Kristin Wenc give us some insights into what compels people to participate, sometimes even in different capacities, year after year! 

In this special glimpse at the early stages of the creation process, Artist Rebecca Roin and Inspiration Marie Wynn let us into the way a painting begins to form. Marie is one year beyond Remission and still has access to a lot of the difficult and surprising emotions that often come from living with cancer. As a previous Twist Out Cancer artist, Rebecca is insightful and the perfect person to accompany Marie in this creative process.

Artist Tracie Strange talks about her experience in the 2022 Southern Brushes With Cancer program.  She discusses the strong connection she felt with her Inspiration, Lindsay Kimmel, who inspired her art piece, “Transcendence."  Tracie learned so much from her experience, and listen in to find out more! You can view “Transcendence" here:https://twistoutcancer.org/art/lindsay-kimmel-and-tracie-strange/

Inspiration Amanda Marion, from Converse, Texas, and Artist Barbara Mason, from Frisco, Texas,  discuss what they shared and how they both grew through their Brushes with Cancer experience.View the beautiful art piece, Intertwined, here:https://twistoutcancer.org/art/amanda-marion-and-barbara-j-mason/ 

Inspiration Bobbie Marchand and Artist Valley Bak share their experience as part of the 2022 Southern Brushes With Cancer program.Take a look at “Beautiful Proliferation #1 and #2," and read statements from Bobbie and Valley here:https://twistoutcancer.org/art/bobbie-marchand-and-valley-bak/More information is available at https://twistoutcancer.org/

Inspiration Erin Morrison and Artist Alexandra Hart share the story of how they met, discovered how much they had in common, and learned from each other through their partnership.You can view "Bluebird," which is the painting Alexandra made for Erin, here:https://twistoutcancer.org/art/erin-morrison-and-alexandra-hart/More information is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org

Inspiration Michelle de Nicola discusses how music and art helped her through her "cancer adventure" and the importance of finding support, whether it's a support group, a workshop, or just someone who understands what you're going through.Take a look at “Emerging Immersion,” the beautiful painting made by artist Muktha Ananda for Michelle here.https://twistoutcancer.org/art/michelle-de-nicola-and-muktha-ananda/More information is available at https://twistoutcancer.org/.

Inspiration Cortina Peters and the artist she worked with, Cami Baker Miller, reflect on their experience in the Brushes With Cancer program.“Emerging Beauty” is the art piece made by Cami, which represents Cortina's personal journey with cancer.  See the art piece here.https://twistoutcancer.org/art/cortina-peters-and-cami-baker-miller/More information is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org

Inspiration Pam Crowther and her artist, Jackie Carmody, reflect on their shared experience in the Brushes with Cancer program.Artist Jacqueline Carmody made "Paper Cranes For Pam"  See it here.https://twistoutcancer.org/art/pam-crowther-and-jacqueline-carmody/More information is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org/ 

Inspiration Andrea Ludlow is a two-time cancer survivor of Melanoma and Breast Cancer.  She lives in Portland, and enjoyed the very collaborative process with her artist, Linda Roberts, who lives in Montana.  In this episode, Linda shares how Andrea's journey informed her art and how she incorporated it into the creation processes.“... Life!” is the art piece made for Andrea, representing her journey as a Survivor.  See the art piece here.https://twistoutcancer.org/art/andrea-ludlow-and-linda-roberts/More information is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org

In this episode of Brushes With Cancer Spotlights, artist Amy Morris and and her inspiration Angi Taylor about their path together over these months— from building a relationship, telling Angi’s story through art, and what they will continue to carry with them from their experience.  This painting, “Phoenix Rising,” was inspired by Angi's story.  See it here:https://twistoutcancer.org/art/angi-taylor-and-amy-morris/More information is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org

Artist Christan Seidle and her inspiration Heather Russell both live in the Austin area.  They were able to get together in person as Heather shared details on her journey with cancer with Christan.  In this episode, Christan offers an artist's perspective on her experience - how participating in the Brushes With Cancer program differed from other commissions she worked on.  Heather was so inspired by her experience that she is taking on more personal art projects herself!In this episode, Christan and Heather talk about building a relationship, telling Heather’s story through art, and what they will continue to carry with them from their experience. ”Heart of Gold” represents Heather Russell's journey with cancer, starting with her heart.  See it here.https://twistoutcancer.org/art/heather-s-russell-and-christan-seidle/More information is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org/ 

In this episode , artist Erin Greganti and and her inspiration Jennifer King about their path together — from building a relationship, telling Jennifer’s story through art, and what they will continue to carry with them from their experience. Erin said, "The image is of a superhero mounted on her steed, charging in to save the day. If you look closely, you can see within the horse’s determined eye is a church, which will forever be the direction these heroes will look for their salvation. As an artist, I use imagery to portray emotion and tell a story. I create large-scale, multi-media art you can feel - not just emotionally, but also physically. This piece uses a trompe l'oeil to create depth, and incorporates tactile elements of physical fur you can pet and reigns you can touch."See the painting herehttps://twistoutcancer.org/art/jennifer-king-and-erin-greganti/ More information is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org/ 

Artist Magdalena Cuevas and and her Inspiration Martha Acosta talk about their path together — from building a relationship, telling Martha’s story through art, and what they will continue to carry with them from their experience.Magdalena said that Martha "represents strength, determination, and beauty. Her spirit is something to admire and be completely inspired by. Martha and I connected and a beautiful friendship was born."  Magdalena was inspired to create a painting titled, "I want to Live."  See it here:https://twistoutcancer.org/art/martha-acosta-and-magdalena-cuevas/ More information is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org/ 

Artist Karen Hidalgo and her Inspiration Michael Holtz became fast friends through the Brushes With Cancer program - they are both silly and sarcastic and enjoyed each other's company.  Not only is Karen an artist in the Southern BWC program, she is a former Inspiration.  Learn how this helped her understand Michael's journey with cancer and turn it into a unique piece of artwork.Karen's art piece captures the many layers and stories that are part of Michael's cancer journey.  See it here.https://twistoutcancer.org/art/michael-holtz-and-karen-hidalgo/More information  is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org/