Terri Ann DiJulio and Sally K Eisenberg
The Story
Terri Ann DiJulio
West Chester, PA
@terri.ann.dijulio
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: Did you know that anyone can get lung cancer? Anyone! Lung cancer profoundly changed my life. Not only was I diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer three times over a 19-year period, but I am also one of six family members diagnosed with this disease.
I was the first person in my family to be diagnosed with lung cancer, and I am only one of two who survived it. Having the unique perspective of being both a patient and a caregiver, I’ve seen how this disease does not discriminate. Over the years, I have learned that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in our country, and yet it receives the least amount of research funding.
Our research community has made great strides over the past two decades, during which time I personally participated in a clinical trial. That experience taught me that research matters, my voice matters, and sharing my story and my family’s story helps change the narrative.
In recent years, I decided to dedicate my time to raising more awareness about this disease — one step and one person at a time. Advocating for research funding and being a voice for change has become my passion because we need many more outcomes like mine! Early detection and screening save lives, so if you qualify for screening, get screened.
Being chosen as an inspiration for Brushes with Cancer is a wonderful experience, and being paired with my artist, Sally, is a gift. From our very first meeting, I knew I found a kindred spirit. I am sure Sally and I will remain friends for a long time.
And my most profound lesson of all the lessons that I’ve learned from this journey: Life is short — aging is a privilege. Stretch your comfort zone. Experience as many life experiences as you can. LIVE your life in a BIG way, however living big means to you. We only get to be who we are for a very short while, and I know I plan to enjoy every second I’m given.
XO
@terri.ann.dijulio
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: Did you know that anyone can get lung cancer? Anyone! Lung cancer profoundly changed my life. Not only was I diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer three times over a 19-year period, but I am also one of six family members diagnosed with this disease.
I was the first person in my family to be diagnosed with lung cancer, and I am only one of two who survived it. Having the unique perspective of being both a patient and a caregiver, I’ve seen how this disease does not discriminate. Over the years, I have learned that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in our country, and yet it receives the least amount of research funding.
Our research community has made great strides over the past two decades, during which time I personally participated in a clinical trial. That experience taught me that research matters, my voice matters, and sharing my story and my family’s story helps change the narrative.
In recent years, I decided to dedicate my time to raising more awareness about this disease — one step and one person at a time. Advocating for research funding and being a voice for change has become my passion because we need many more outcomes like mine! Early detection and screening save lives, so if you qualify for screening, get screened.
Being chosen as an inspiration for Brushes with Cancer is a wonderful experience, and being paired with my artist, Sally, is a gift. From our very first meeting, I knew I found a kindred spirit. I am sure Sally and I will remain friends for a long time.
And my most profound lesson of all the lessons that I’ve learned from this journey: Life is short — aging is a privilege. Stretch your comfort zone. Experience as many life experiences as you can. LIVE your life in a BIG way, however living big means to you. We only get to be who we are for a very short while, and I know I plan to enjoy every second I’m given.
XO
Sally K Eisenberg
Philadelphia, PA
www.sallykeisenberg.com
@sallykeisenberg
“Shifting”
Acrylic on canvas
20” x 20”
$1,350
Artist Statement: My painting, entitled “Shifting,” is a reflection of Terri Ann DiJulio’s journey she shared with me. A journey that began in 2003 with her first lung cancer diagnosis. Since then, Terri Ann has survived two additional lung cancer diagnoses and has created major shifts in her life to become an advocate for the disease, not only to raise more federal funding (lung cancer is the number one killer and the least funded of all the cancers) but to additionally confront the stigma associated with the disease. Her mission is for there to be more survivors with outcomes like hers. Terri Ann shared with me her intention to make her canvas not too full; less is more. She loves exactly where she is, saying yes only to experiences that nourish her. An avid cyclist, Terri Ann has learned to shift gears and lean into what is. Through my color palette and improvisational process, my intention is to be a reflection of Terri Ann’s journey of renewal, hope, and positivity.
www.sallykeisenberg.com
@sallykeisenberg
“Shifting”
Acrylic on canvas
20” x 20”
$1,350
Artist Statement: My painting, entitled “Shifting,” is a reflection of Terri Ann DiJulio’s journey she shared with me. A journey that began in 2003 with her first lung cancer diagnosis. Since then, Terri Ann has survived two additional lung cancer diagnoses and has created major shifts in her life to become an advocate for the disease, not only to raise more federal funding (lung cancer is the number one killer and the least funded of all the cancers) but to additionally confront the stigma associated with the disease. Her mission is for there to be more survivors with outcomes like hers. Terri Ann shared with me her intention to make her canvas not too full; less is more. She loves exactly where she is, saying yes only to experiences that nourish her. An avid cyclist, Terri Ann has learned to shift gears and lean into what is. Through my color palette and improvisational process, my intention is to be a reflection of Terri Ann’s journey of renewal, hope, and positivity.