“The Unpredictable Road to Lemonade”
Hilary Miller
@hilapics
@hilapaints
Rochester, NY
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: Two years ago, I could never have imagined my cancer diagnosis would lead to anything good. Being told I had breast cancer was the most traumatic moment of my life. The road through treatment and recovery was long and uncertain—one without any direction. As I struggled with physical loss and my sense of self, I searched for human connection to help make sense of what was happening. What began in fear and isolation slowly transformed. I went from feeling entirely alone to being surrounded by a community of other young survivors, new friends, and deeply supportive colleagues. Little by little, I regained my strength and my confidence returned. For the first time in a long while, I felt hope—and even curiosity—about what the future might hold. Today, I view my brush with cancer through a new lens. The journey has reshaped the way I see myself and the people around me. It has given me gratitude, perspective, and profound comfort in connection. Against all expectations, it has brought a great deal of purpose and even some good.
Christina Harman
New York, NY
“The Unpredictable Road to Lemonade”
Ceramic and Cement
16” x 12” x 3”
$800
Artist Statement: I’m a pharmaceutical advertising account person by trade with a love for creativity. I picked up pottery as a hobby and it quickly turned into my passion. I’ve had the privilege of being matched with Hilary and throughout our conversations, her kindness, vulnerability and passion deeply moved me. She is the strongest, most resilient woman I have the pleasure of knowing. I created this piece to honor her journey—from diagnosis, through treatment, and now life in remission. Her diagnosis was the start of a new, unpredictable and emotional journey of survivorship. This journey, while challenging, completely changed and expanded her world—bringing new experiences and a bright, supportive community. This inspired me to step out of my comfort zone to do something that brought me to this unpredictable and emotional journey. Now in remission, she’s paying it forward by mentoring women currently in treatment. She’s started a new career, focusing on advancing health and enriching lives, for the better. Hilary has taken the ultimate lemon and made the sweetest lemonade. I am so lucky to know her!