“Dandelion Wishes”
Jen Vare
Philadelphia, PA
@jenv_88
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Deep down, I sensed it before I ever called my gynecologist, before I told my family and friends, even as I walked into that mammogram and ultrasound alone. From the very beginning, I made myself a promise: cancer would never define me.
When I began sharing the news, I quickly realized I wouldn’t face it alone—I had an army of love and support around me. People often called me strong, but in truth, I was simply doing what I had to do to get through each day. You think you’re ready to hear the words, “You have cancer.” But nothing can truly prepare you for that moment.
As my journey unfolded, I knew chemotherapy would take my hair—but instead of seeing it as a loss, I chose to donate it to charity. I also knew I wouldn’t wear a wig; for me, there was no hiding. The twist came when I realized that while cancer would never define me, it would shape the woman I was becoming.
I began journaling on CaringBridge—sharing the medical updates, the emotional storms, and the changes in my body. It wasn’t just for my closest circle, but for everyone praying, reading, and supporting from afar. I wanted my journey to leave a legacy—a reminder that even in the darkest times, strength can be found.
And there were many dark times. Chemotherapy nearly broke me, burning my hands from the inside out. Surgery had to be moved up when I couldn’t finish treatment. Even then, cancer was still found in my lymph nodes, which meant an axillary node dissection and then radiation—25 exhausting rounds that left me burned and depleted. Complications followed—my body rejected implants, which led to more surgeries, and ultimately, their removal.
Yet even in the hardest chapters, light found its way in. Along the journey, I made new friends, discovered the magic of Godwinks, believed in the power of blowing on dandelion wishies, and found joy in angel visitors—butterflies, dragonflies, cardinals, and blue jays. I learned to celebrate life in the little moments, to find peace by the water, and to let its flow steady my spirit.
My story is still being written. It continues with follow-up scans, new scares, advocacy work, moments of embracing caregivers & new survivors or walking alongside other thrivers. Through it all, I’ve held onto one truth: my story matters. Surviving, adapting, and rising again stands as proof that even through the unimaginable, we can endure—and still shine.
Mignon Dupepe
Chicago, IL
“Dandelion Wishes”
Acrylic paint, collage images, gold thread
20” x 20”
$450
Artist Statement: From Jenny Lawson’s, You are Here
“I always thought I’d like to be a dandelion-those vivid yellow flowers that bloom in the cracks of sidewalks or abandoned lots. Anything that thrives in such strange, broken places holds a special kind of magic. It shines bright and golden for a moment before it withers, but then, when most have given it up for dead, it explodes into an elaborate glove of spiderweb seedlings so fragile that a wind or a wish sends it to pieces.
But the falling apart isn’t the end.
It depends on the falling apart.
Its fragility lets it be carried to new places, to paint more gold in the cracks.
I always thought I’d like to be a dandelion.
But I think, in a way, I already am.”
Jen Vare is like a dandelion, living life and not letting cancer or adversity stop her from pursuing her passions. She is a believer in signs and symbols for meaning-making and understanding. Dandelions encompass aspects like resilience, survival, fulfillment of wishes, a gentle breath of hope- flourishing in some of the harshest conditions and returning year after year no matter what the world throws at it. Each of the dandelion’s 20,000 seeds float on the wind and represent an endless number of hopes and dreams we send into the world. Jen has always loved dandelions-a symbol of her journey-a wish and a prayer to get through cancer’s toughest times.
Dragonflies are another magical sign and symbol for Jen-connecting her to her father in a special way. In many cultures, dragonflies bring wisdom and good luck to those who encounter them. The infinite possibility and potential and transformation qualities of dragonflies provide comfort and hope for Jen. Acknowledging that her cancer story is never finished, she is grateful for the support of her inner circle and the wisdom she has retained and aspires to share her knowledge through advocacy.
Sending 20,000 healthy, healing wishes to Jen!