Keep-A-Breast explores insights on life through art

Written by Philippine Cancer Society and C-network support support groups.

 Learning skills and bonding amongst themselves is nothing new to members of  “Keep A-Breast”, a cancer support group consisting of mostly female members who have encountered breast cancer. Keep-A-Breast members are known for ensuring that every one in the group would put their time to useful activities that would help and inspire themselves and other people afflicted with the disease.

However, exploring the world of art presented an exciting challenge for most of the members who have never drawn anything in their lives. The activity is an art workshop for beginners using inexpensive materials.

Art instructor Katie Dizon-Jacinto, showed the members the rudiments of painting using simple guide materials and ordinary latex paint. Katie opened up the session by challenging each member of Keep-A-Breast to “be everything you can be!”

Hesitant at first, confidence among the members blossomed as they witnessed uniquely beautiful paintings emerging from their efforts. The participants discovered that they also have the ability to produce visually appealing paintings in a span of only half a day, with a little guidance and cajoling from Teacher Katie and from amongst themselves.

The fifteen members who joined the art workshop also shared insights on how they are coping with breast cancer and the support they are getting from the organization, their loved ones and families.

Mrs. Sylvia Olivar, who was accompanied by her daughter to the art lessons, said that after she was diagnosed last September 2005, she became even less complaining about problems than before she learned about her condition. Her resolute stand is that “I refuse to entertain the thought that I won’t get well.”
Maria Elisa Ydio’s painting aptly reflects her insight. She shared that “Life is beautiful despite its intricacies. It’s how you really look at it.”

Mrs. Niña Yang, who painted a very refined picture of red blossoms, uttered “never mind if I perspire, as long as I feel pretty”, when asked if wearing a scarf and hat indoors make her feel warm. The light moment made everyone laugh.

If as Matisse puts it, “creativity takes courage,” these women are truly commendable because they have shown not only courage in tackling a new realm into the arts, but more importantly, on how they are moving on with their lives despite the breast cancer risk they are dealing with.

Other stories shared while the art lessons were ongoing all speak of confidence, hope, and a loving resolution to also extend help and inspiration to other people who are undergoing the same challenges in life.

Philippine Cancer Society and C-network support support groups.