Art Gallery

"Holding Myself in the Absence of You"
In memory of Michelle LaVoie

I survived Ewing's Sarcoma, with my only casualty being the amputation of my lower right leg. I have fought with isolation, rejection, loneliness, suffering and the 'Why me?' question since my diagnosis, and the only haven I have resides in knowing 'I survived.' Though those two words could pertain to anything from a plane crash to a bad movie, they are my personal gold medal, my Oscar, and my life's known quest. I am reminded every day that 'I survived,' and every day I am grateful and optimistic towards the future I have struggled so hard to obtain.

The figure of my painting is lacking gender, race and age, representing the indiscrepency of the victims of cancer. The figure could be a mother, a brother, a co-worker, a stranger or a best friend - in any city or community on the planet. Though the figure may seem in a state of remorse or isolated suffering, she/he is holding tight the inner strength and courage needed for survival. This strength and courage may be cultivated by memories, support of family and friends, or any number of pro's for life. It is this strength and courage that not only allows some lives to continue living, but it also aids those whose struggle is inhumanly unbearable to find solitude and grace in letting go.

To those who are living, either beside you or in your heart, remind yourself that someone somewhere is shouting for the first time, "I survived!"