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

Twist Out Cancer
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Over the past 15 years, Twist Out Cancer has positively impacted more than 280,000 people through the power of storytelling, creative arts, and human connection.Through our signature Brushes with Cancer program, 1,704 individuals have participated as Inspirations and Artists, coming together to share their stories, build meaningful connections, and create something lasting. These collaborations have resulted in 853 unique works of art, each representing an individual journey with cancer and the powerful connection formed between an Inspiration and an Artist.In this podcast, you can hear directly from our Inspirations and Artists as they share what it means to tell their story, connect through art, and experience the powerful moment when an Inspiration sees their finished artwork for the first time.For 15 years, Twist Out Cancer has created spaces where people touched by cancer can share, connect, and heal. Your support helps us continue providing meaningful programs and creative arts experiences to individuals and families navigating cancer.Help us reach the next person who needs connection and community. Donate today or learn more about our work at www.twistoutcancer.org.

  1. Sep 2

    Power Partners Podcast: Chelsea Lewis-Bahr's Journey of Exploring Creativity and Compassion in the Face of Cancer

    In this episode of the Power Partners Podcast, Jenna Benn Shersher, the founder and CEO of Twist Out Cancer speaks with Chelsea Lewis-Bahr, a contemporary abstract artist and finance professional based in Huntsville, Alabama. Chelsea shares how a chance visit from her mother, who was surprised to discover her daughter's artwork, set her on the path to connecting with Twist Out Cancer and the Brushes With Cancer program. Chelsea reflects on her first experience as a Brushes With Cancer artist when she was matched with Inspiration Howard Aaron. Learn how the experience pushed her outside herself emotionally in ways she hadn't anticipated.  Jenna and Chelsea also explore the unexpected ways their lives intersected through Howard, highlighting the sense of community and shared purpose that connects Brushes With Cancer participants.  Chelsea's story is a testament to the healing power of art, compassion, and human connection in the face of illness. You can view the art piece that Chelsea made for Howard here: https://twistoutcancer.org/art/howard-aaron-and-chelsea-lewis-bahr/

    Power Partners Podcast: Chelsea Lewis-Bahr's Journey of Exploring Creativity and Compassion in the Face of Cancer

  2. Aug 19

    Twist Out Cancer Power Partners Spotlight: Megan Scherer of Worth the Wait

    In this episode, Twist Out Cancer Advisory Board Member, Soraya Fata, speaks with Megan Scherer, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Worth The Wait. Megan shares how the organization is helping patients turn that loss into hope, with financial support, education, and advocacy for fertility preservation and family building. After navigating cancer-related infertility in her own family, Megan and her husband Mike launched the organization to help others access the care, resources, and information they needed but often could not find. Over the last five years, Worth the Wait has grown into a national lifeline, awarding hundreds more than 250 grants to families around the country. More information is available at https://worththewaitcharity.com.

    Twist Out Cancer Power Partners Spotlight: Megan Scherer of Worth the Wait

  3. Aug 11

    Inspiration Delphine Gervaise and Artist Dominik Ambroise

    Inspiration Delphine Gervaise and Artist Dominik Ambroise are participants in a licensed Brushes With Cancer Program in partnership with the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami. Delphine shares her experience caring for her mother, who passed away from breast cancer, and the grief that followed. She also opens up about the emotional, financial, and practical weight of caregiving, the anticipatory grief of watching her mother change, and the void left behind after her mother's death. Through the Brushes With Cancer program, Delphine was matched with artist Dominik Ambroise, who transformed Delphine's story into an original piece of art. Using pieces of her mother's own creative work, including embroidery and sewing, Dominik created an art piece that honors memory, love, and loss. Delphine and Dominik also discovered a shared Haitian heritage, which deepened their connection and shaped conversations about cultural expectations around illness, strength, and vulnerability. Their story is a powerful reminder that caregivers deserve to be seen, that grief deserves space, and that art can express what words often cannot. More information is available at https://www.arshtcenter.org/arsht-impact/arts-and-wellness/brushes-with-cancer/

    Inspiration Delphine Gervaise and Artist Dominik Ambroise

  4. Jul 21

    Inspiration Julie Clauer and Artist Marea Cordero

    In this episode, Twist Out Cancer's Director of Programs, August Spree, speaks to Julie Clauer, who is a colon cancer survivor, and Marea Cordero, the artist she was paired with as part of the 2026 Winter Brushes With Cancer program. Julie and Marea’s stories reveal a deeper truth: resilience, connection, and healing can emerge from the cracks of grief. In this heartfelt episode, these two incredible women share how art becomes a powerful bridge — transforming their experiences into inspiring visuals that tell stories of hope, support, and growth.  Julie, still in treatment since 2018, redefines her identity beyond survivor to advocate, educator, and source of hope within the cancer community. She shares her story of diagnosis, her "thank you list" — a practice that reminds her of everyday gratitude — and how her journey has deepened her appreciation for life and the bonds she cherishes.  They discuss their collaborative art projects: a stunning piece called Healing Herd that encapsulates Julie’s journey, layered with symbols of family, support, and resilience, and connected stories of other transformative works. Their stories can inspire you to reframe your journey with gratitude, depth, and a touch of joy.  Join us as we explore how the cracks in suffering are where growth happens — transforming pain into powerful stories of healing. You can view "Healing Herd," the art piece that Marea made for Julie here. https://twistoutcancer.org/art/julie-clauer-and-marea-cordero/

    Inspiration Julie Clauer and Artist Marea Cordero

  5. Apr 16

    Navigating the World of Cancer Support: Insights from Jackie Herigodt of Imerman Angels

    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/

    Navigating the World of Cancer Support: Insights from Jackie Herigodt of Imerman Angels

  6. Mar 30

    Brushes with Cancer Spotlight: Inspiration Alique Topalian and Artist Jackie Carmody

    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/

    Brushes with Cancer Spotlight: Inspiration Alique Topalian and Artist Jackie Carmody

  7. Mar 26

    Twist Out Cancer Power Partners Spotlight Featuring Patricia San Pedro

    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.

    Twist Out Cancer Power Partners Spotlight Featuring Patricia San Pedro

  8. Jan 27

    From Diagnosis to Advocacy: Marty Hogan, the founder of Windsor Tough - A Twist Out Cancer Power Partner

    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/

    From Diagnosis to Advocacy: Marty Hogan, the founder of Windsor Tough - A Twist Out Cancer Power Partner
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About

Over the past 15 years, Twist Out Cancer has positively impacted more than 280,000 people through the power of storytelling, creative arts, and human connection.Through our signature Brushes with Cancer program, 1,704 individuals have participated as Inspirations and Artists, coming together to share their stories, build meaningful connections, and create something lasting. These collaborations have resulted in 853 unique works of art, each representing an individual journey with cancer and the powerful connection formed between an Inspiration and an Artist.In this podcast, you can hear directly from our Inspirations and Artists as they share what it means to tell their story, connect through art, and experience the powerful moment when an Inspiration sees their finished artwork for the first time.For 15 years, Twist Out Cancer has created spaces where people touched by cancer can share, connect, and heal. Your support helps us continue providing meaningful programs and creative arts experiences to individuals and families navigating cancer.Help us reach the next person who needs connection and community. Donate today or learn more about our work at www.twistoutcancer.org.

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