Valerie Hinojosa and Erin Greganti
The Story
Valerie Hinojosa
San Antonio, TX
Social Media: @ladyValerie.Rachele
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: You never know where life is going to lead you when you hear those three words: “You have cancer.” Especially being so young and determined to make a name for yourself in this world as I was. I had been working my way up in my nursing career and finally got my shot as a nursing supervisor. September 28, 2020,only eight months into my new position, I found out I had stage 4 colon cancer from a quite unexpected emergency room visit that should have been just a routine “Go home and rest it off.” Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Things had changed already due to Covid and we were right in the mix of shut downs and quarantining. I was alone and scared and no one could be with me unless I was dying or couldn’t make my own decisions. Fortunately, that would be the last time I had to do this alone. Now, my ride has been a bumpy one for sure. With every small victory came more defeat and I had a lot of struggles to overcome; but I overcame each one. I had an emergency colostomy put in place which was a literal mess in itself. I’m on my third recurrence, I was labeled as terminal and told that this cancer would keep coming back no matter how hard I fought. I’ve had 50+ rounds of chemo, radiation, ablations and multiple surgeries; one of which even took my chances of having another child from me. I’ve been going into this for so long that I see the beauty in it all. I have cancer but I also have so much more than that. The amount of support and love that has engulfed me is unbelievable and I couldn’t be more appreciative. The amount of grace I feel from God, and my path with him, is something that has made me realize there is purpose in the pain. I tried to change the narrative and put a twist on cancer to use these experiences to help educate and prevent against colon cancer with my patients and anyone who would listen. I wanted to use what I went through to help others because, let’s face it, you become an expert on your disease and treatments. I continued to work through the whole journey, even working with Covid patients while I was sick. I am now finally taking the time to enjoy life and to stop and smell the roses for as long as I can.
Social Media: @ladyValerie.Rachele
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: You never know where life is going to lead you when you hear those three words: “You have cancer.” Especially being so young and determined to make a name for yourself in this world as I was. I had been working my way up in my nursing career and finally got my shot as a nursing supervisor. September 28, 2020,only eight months into my new position, I found out I had stage 4 colon cancer from a quite unexpected emergency room visit that should have been just a routine “Go home and rest it off.” Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Things had changed already due to Covid and we were right in the mix of shut downs and quarantining. I was alone and scared and no one could be with me unless I was dying or couldn’t make my own decisions. Fortunately, that would be the last time I had to do this alone. Now, my ride has been a bumpy one for sure. With every small victory came more defeat and I had a lot of struggles to overcome; but I overcame each one. I had an emergency colostomy put in place which was a literal mess in itself. I’m on my third recurrence, I was labeled as terminal and told that this cancer would keep coming back no matter how hard I fought. I’ve had 50+ rounds of chemo, radiation, ablations and multiple surgeries; one of which even took my chances of having another child from me. I’ve been going into this for so long that I see the beauty in it all. I have cancer but I also have so much more than that. The amount of support and love that has engulfed me is unbelievable and I couldn’t be more appreciative. The amount of grace I feel from God, and my path with him, is something that has made me realize there is purpose in the pain. I tried to change the narrative and put a twist on cancer to use these experiences to help educate and prevent against colon cancer with my patients and anyone who would listen. I wanted to use what I went through to help others because, let’s face it, you become an expert on your disease and treatments. I continued to work through the whole journey, even working with Covid patients while I was sick. I am now finally taking the time to enjoy life and to stop and smell the roses for as long as I can.
Erin Greganti
Austin TX
Erg-art@gmail.com
@ergart-arting
"Spice of Life"
Multi-medium acrylic on canvas, with LED black light frame and effects
36" x 40" x 3.5"
$2979.00
Artist Statement: This is a multimedia experience piece titled "The Spice of life" It's inspired by Valerie, one of the most amazing people I have met in a long time. She has dedicated her life to her family and to her community working as a nurse. Even though she was diagnosed with cancer, she still worked until her body wouldn't let her. She lives life to the absolute fullest and has inspired me to do the same. Being in her presence is a unique experience I look forward to each time we meet. Spending time with Valerie provides the happiness and warmth one may have when they meet up with old friends and family, especially if they haven't seen eachother in a long time.
Imagine yourself at the dining table surrounded by friends and family, there's that special sound created by a bunch of elated people all laughing and greeting one another, and the hustle and bustle of everyone making sure everyone is welcomed, hugged and included. Knowing Valerie is just like that magical moment, when a warm bowl of chips and queso shows up for the table that someone ordered. Even though no one knows what they want yet everyone loves queso and dives in together. Just like in that moment, if you are fully present while visiting her you will feel truly blessed. She has inspired me to live life to the fullest and to remember; "Life is too short to skip the queso!" Viva La Vida!
Erg-art@gmail.com
@ergart-arting
"Spice of Life"
Multi-medium acrylic on canvas, with LED black light frame and effects
36" x 40" x 3.5"
$2979.00
Artist Statement: This is a multimedia experience piece titled "The Spice of life" It's inspired by Valerie, one of the most amazing people I have met in a long time. She has dedicated her life to her family and to her community working as a nurse. Even though she was diagnosed with cancer, she still worked until her body wouldn't let her. She lives life to the absolute fullest and has inspired me to do the same. Being in her presence is a unique experience I look forward to each time we meet. Spending time with Valerie provides the happiness and warmth one may have when they meet up with old friends and family, especially if they haven't seen eachother in a long time.
Imagine yourself at the dining table surrounded by friends and family, there's that special sound created by a bunch of elated people all laughing and greeting one another, and the hustle and bustle of everyone making sure everyone is welcomed, hugged and included. Knowing Valerie is just like that magical moment, when a warm bowl of chips and queso shows up for the table that someone ordered. Even though no one knows what they want yet everyone loves queso and dives in together. Just like in that moment, if you are fully present while visiting her you will feel truly blessed. She has inspired me to live life to the fullest and to remember; "Life is too short to skip the queso!" Viva La Vida!