Dee Burrell and Johanna Graine
The Story
Dee Burrell
Waldorf, MD
Breast cancer survivor
Twist on Cancer: I am profoundly grateful to celebrate 17 years as a breast cancer survivor. This milestone is not just a testament to my strength, but a reflection of the unwavering support from my loved ones and the incredible strides in medical science.
Seventeen years ago, I embarked on an aggressive stage 2 breast cancer-diagnosed journey filled with uncertainty, fear, and resilience. The initial diagnosis was a life-altering moment that shook the core of my existence. However, through the highs and lows of treatment, including the sudden passing of our mother to cancer during my journey battling breast cancer, I discovered an inner strength that I never knew existed. The support of my family, friends, and medical team became the pillars of my endurance.
I extend my deepest gratitude to my family—especially my daughter, Andrea and my granddaughter, Jayla—along with a former partner and caregiver, Jim, for their unwavering love and encouragement. Their steadfast presence transformed a daunting battle into a collective triumph.
The advancements in medical research and technology played a pivotal role in my survival. I am grateful for the dedicated healthcare professionals who guided me with expertise and compassion. Their commitment to innovation and patient care has allowed me to witness incredible progress in cancer treatment over the years.
As I mark this 17th anniversary, I am filled with gratitude for every moment, big or small. It is a celebration of life, resilience, and the countless blessings that have paved my path. I hope my journey serves as inspiration for others facing similar challenges, reminding them that hope, love, and medical progress can conquer even the toughest battles.
Breast cancer survivor
Twist on Cancer: I am profoundly grateful to celebrate 17 years as a breast cancer survivor. This milestone is not just a testament to my strength, but a reflection of the unwavering support from my loved ones and the incredible strides in medical science.
Seventeen years ago, I embarked on an aggressive stage 2 breast cancer-diagnosed journey filled with uncertainty, fear, and resilience. The initial diagnosis was a life-altering moment that shook the core of my existence. However, through the highs and lows of treatment, including the sudden passing of our mother to cancer during my journey battling breast cancer, I discovered an inner strength that I never knew existed. The support of my family, friends, and medical team became the pillars of my endurance.
I extend my deepest gratitude to my family—especially my daughter, Andrea and my granddaughter, Jayla—along with a former partner and caregiver, Jim, for their unwavering love and encouragement. Their steadfast presence transformed a daunting battle into a collective triumph.
The advancements in medical research and technology played a pivotal role in my survival. I am grateful for the dedicated healthcare professionals who guided me with expertise and compassion. Their commitment to innovation and patient care has allowed me to witness incredible progress in cancer treatment over the years.
As I mark this 17th anniversary, I am filled with gratitude for every moment, big or small. It is a celebration of life, resilience, and the countless blessings that have paved my path. I hope my journey serves as inspiration for others facing similar challenges, reminding them that hope, love, and medical progress can conquer even the toughest battles.
Johanna Graine
Ann Arbor, MI
“Nature’s Nurture”
Watercolor, hand painted paper collage
17” x 21.25” x 2”
$700
Artist Statement: “Nature’s Nurture” is a visual watercolor and collage document inspired by the healing journey of Dee Burrell. Through the magic of the Brushes with Cancer 2024 program, Dee and I were brought into each other's lives to connect, share, learn, and grow with and from each other as we partnered to bring Dee’s extraordinary survivor experience into a unique and permanent visual form. Dee’s love and appreciation for nature was a core concept that emerged early on in our work together. Each element in the painting has a deep connection for Dee. Together, we explored the symbolic meaning behind the visuals that Dee is drawn to—the robin, lotus flowers, rocks, trees, water, sunrise/sunset, butterfly, the bridge, and the souls and spirits that are her daily guides. The painting began with a watercolor landscape of a still body of water glistening in the warmth of the sun. Once the base image was created, collage became the next just-right medium to explore. Each collage paper is hand painted, cut, and pasted, adding layered elements and creating both texture and depth. The bridge connecting the islands of earth is solid, and strong and lifts Dee’s most treasured gifts: her daughter, granddaughter, and late mother. It is a great honor for me to channel the essence of Dee’s journey as an almost two-decade-long cancer survivor into a permanent visual existence for Dee and the world to witness. This process has brought the gift of a new friendship, and deep reflection for us both while being profoundly reminded of the gift called life.
“Nature’s Nurture”
Watercolor, hand painted paper collage
17” x 21.25” x 2”
$700
Artist Statement: “Nature’s Nurture” is a visual watercolor and collage document inspired by the healing journey of Dee Burrell. Through the magic of the Brushes with Cancer 2024 program, Dee and I were brought into each other's lives to connect, share, learn, and grow with and from each other as we partnered to bring Dee’s extraordinary survivor experience into a unique and permanent visual form. Dee’s love and appreciation for nature was a core concept that emerged early on in our work together. Each element in the painting has a deep connection for Dee. Together, we explored the symbolic meaning behind the visuals that Dee is drawn to—the robin, lotus flowers, rocks, trees, water, sunrise/sunset, butterfly, the bridge, and the souls and spirits that are her daily guides. The painting began with a watercolor landscape of a still body of water glistening in the warmth of the sun. Once the base image was created, collage became the next just-right medium to explore. Each collage paper is hand painted, cut, and pasted, adding layered elements and creating both texture and depth. The bridge connecting the islands of earth is solid, and strong and lifts Dee’s most treasured gifts: her daughter, granddaughter, and late mother. It is a great honor for me to channel the essence of Dee’s journey as an almost two-decade-long cancer survivor into a permanent visual existence for Dee and the world to witness. This process has brought the gift of a new friendship, and deep reflection for us both while being profoundly reminded of the gift called life.