Jamie McCarthy and Brad Young
The Story
Jamie McCarthy
Wayne, PA
Survivor and Caregiver
Twist on Cancer: Over the last four years, our family has often been preoccupied with cancer: undergoing treatment or recovery, caring for our loved ones, or grieving/recovering from the trauma of loss or cancer’s quiet threat of recurrence.
I was surprised to be diagnosed with cancer in 2020 on my 34th birthday. In the subsequent year, I was blessed with access to excellent medical care and, following three surgeries, entered remission. Over the next three years, I gradually allowed myself to feel cured and began to expect positive news during regular surveillance check-ups. But in the fourth year after my diagnosis, two new gut punches landed: my father-in-law passed away from a fast and ferocious battle with pancreatic cancer, and my cancer returned.
I’m currently undergoing chemo treatment and am very optimistic about my expected outcome. Halfway through, I’ll simply note that (unsurprisingly) chemo is challenging! While feeling sick might be the headline of my current episode of cancer, the subtitle of the experience is certainly overpowering love and support. Once again, we’ve been blessed with top-tier care, thoughtful and accommodating work, and amazingly generous family and friends. Of course, there are times when I’m afraid, but most days, I am overwhelmingly grateful for the prayers, encouragement, and help from my loved ones. Special thanks to my wife, kids, mom, and mother-in-law! You are the best!
I’ve enjoyed meeting my artists and can’t wait to see our creation!
Survivor and Caregiver
Twist on Cancer: Over the last four years, our family has often been preoccupied with cancer: undergoing treatment or recovery, caring for our loved ones, or grieving/recovering from the trauma of loss or cancer’s quiet threat of recurrence.
I was surprised to be diagnosed with cancer in 2020 on my 34th birthday. In the subsequent year, I was blessed with access to excellent medical care and, following three surgeries, entered remission. Over the next three years, I gradually allowed myself to feel cured and began to expect positive news during regular surveillance check-ups. But in the fourth year after my diagnosis, two new gut punches landed: my father-in-law passed away from a fast and ferocious battle with pancreatic cancer, and my cancer returned.
I’m currently undergoing chemo treatment and am very optimistic about my expected outcome. Halfway through, I’ll simply note that (unsurprisingly) chemo is challenging! While feeling sick might be the headline of my current episode of cancer, the subtitle of the experience is certainly overpowering love and support. Once again, we’ve been blessed with top-tier care, thoughtful and accommodating work, and amazingly generous family and friends. Of course, there are times when I’m afraid, but most days, I am overwhelmingly grateful for the prayers, encouragement, and help from my loved ones. Special thanks to my wife, kids, mom, and mother-in-law! You are the best!
I’ve enjoyed meeting my artists and can’t wait to see our creation!
Brad Young
Brad Young
Almont, MI
“Always GO-ing Forward”
Woodwork with Walnut, Woodburning
16.25” x 2” x 16.25”
$200
Artist Statement: I made this piece in celebration of my friend and inspiration, Jamie McCarthy. His persevering compassion and positivity through two separate rounds of chemotherapy with testicular cancer have been both entirely inspiring and beautiful. I've come to appreciate Jamie as an all-around artist himself. A fellow musician, playing both the violin and trombone and as a beekeeper, an art in itself with the greatest artist of all, Mother Nature.
Throughout our talks, Jamie mentioned how crucial his family's love was for staying positive and fighting forward. We also talked about his time spent learning the game of GO while in therapy and recovering.
I decided to create a GO board as my piece for Jamie. It resembles his resilience and patience with his journey. I added two honeybees on the board to resemble both his artistry and his two daughters. The grid of the GO board is a 13x13 pattern, which has been a special number in my life. I've participated in this program multiple times, and every experience has been special to me. I hope for others to have similar experiences I have, and also feel the magic and memories made thereof. Sending my best.
Almont, MI
“Always GO-ing Forward”
Woodwork with Walnut, Woodburning
16.25” x 2” x 16.25”
$200
Artist Statement: I made this piece in celebration of my friend and inspiration, Jamie McCarthy. His persevering compassion and positivity through two separate rounds of chemotherapy with testicular cancer have been both entirely inspiring and beautiful. I've come to appreciate Jamie as an all-around artist himself. A fellow musician, playing both the violin and trombone and as a beekeeper, an art in itself with the greatest artist of all, Mother Nature.
Throughout our talks, Jamie mentioned how crucial his family's love was for staying positive and fighting forward. We also talked about his time spent learning the game of GO while in therapy and recovering.
I decided to create a GO board as my piece for Jamie. It resembles his resilience and patience with his journey. I added two honeybees on the board to resemble both his artistry and his two daughters. The grid of the GO board is a 13x13 pattern, which has been a special number in my life. I've participated in this program multiple times, and every experience has been special to me. I hope for others to have similar experiences I have, and also feel the magic and memories made thereof. Sending my best.