Cancer sucks. It’s awful. It’s the scariest monster I know. It attacked my father, my mother, and took from me my funny, loving, kind little brother. I hate it with a searing hate that burns up my insides. I live in literally constant fear that I will get cancer. I am terrified.
How I choose to face my fears and anger is what keeps me from becoming a mean, furious, hateful person. I CHOOSE hope over fear. I cannot choose whether or not I may get cancer. I can, however, choose to live my life hoping for cures, hoping for healing, hoping for laughing through the pain, hoping for more days with the ones you love. I CHOOSE hope over fear in a way to honor those who have been affected by this and other horrible diseases.
This new canvas is a reflection of how I choose to live my life. In an effort to give back to a wonderful organization, 25% of the proceeds made from the purchase of this canvas will go directly to City of Hope. City of Hope is a medical center dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with cancer and other serious illnesses. Their goal is to transform health care by turning science into a practical benefit and hope into reality. You can learn more about City of Hope by clicking here.
The canvas is painted using City of Hope’s trademark teal and blue colors. I designed it while my father was visiting with his doctors at City of Hope, my mother at his side as she always has been. Instead of sitting at home being scared he would have bad news after his check up, I chose to practice feeling hopeful for the wonderful doctors he has and the amazing future we will share. As I have watched my loved ones battle horrible diseases, including two of my brave friends battling Cystic Fibrosis and Multiple Sclerosis, I have always felt a bit helpless and useless at their sides. This canvas and my attitude about life is a way for me to feel like I can help them through inspiring words and donations to a wonderful research center striving to find cures and deliver hope. My goal is that it helps inspire you to choose to live your life full of hope and not fear.
Love, Michelle
Absolutely love this canvas and the story behind it. Yes, hope over fear!
Hoow do I buy it?
I don’t know how I’ve never seen this. I love you so much my beautiful Meesh. YOU inspire ME! I love you and am so proud of you. I tell Mikayla all the time. We are not just women we are warriors. You are amazing. As scary as our roads are, we never walk them alone. HOPE over fear always!!!