Julie Parks and Annabelle Pare
The Story
Julie Parks
Rockford, IL
Social Media: @Julieandemerson
Invasive ductal breast cancer (ER/PR+, Her2nu-), Thyroid cancer, Triple negative breast cancer survivor
Twist on Cancer: I live in Rockford, IL with my partner, Zach, my almost 9-year-old daughter, Emerson, and a feisty cat named Poe. I volunteer for Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) and as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for children in the foster care system. I enjoy reading, writing, and spending time with family and friends, especially playing board and card games.
I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (ER/PR+ Her2Nu-) at age 28. After chemo, a lumpectomy, radiation, and Tamoxifen, I was allowed one year for infertility treatments. Through the ups and downs of that, the magic and joy of Emerson was born! In 2019, I had thyroid cancer treated with a total thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine treatment, and now medication. In 2020, I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (a new cancer and not a recurrence). I had a lateral mastectomy and chemo and currently have no evidence of disease.
Throughout my experiences, I have learned the value of authentic relationships and deep friendships. While cancer can be alienating, lonely, and sad, it can also demonstrate the kindness, support, and welcoming hearts others have. I frequently talk to young adults, queer-identifying, and other individuals to help them feel less alone on their cancer journeys. For me, cancer isn’t “pink or fuzzy.” However, the lessons one can learn from it are important. Of these, gratitude for family, my partner, and a few close friends helps me appreciate the difference one person or one small act of kindness can make in another person’s life.
Social Media: @Julieandemerson
Invasive ductal breast cancer (ER/PR+, Her2nu-), Thyroid cancer, Triple negative breast cancer survivor
Twist on Cancer: I live in Rockford, IL with my partner, Zach, my almost 9-year-old daughter, Emerson, and a feisty cat named Poe. I volunteer for Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) and as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for children in the foster care system. I enjoy reading, writing, and spending time with family and friends, especially playing board and card games.
I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (ER/PR+ Her2Nu-) at age 28. After chemo, a lumpectomy, radiation, and Tamoxifen, I was allowed one year for infertility treatments. Through the ups and downs of that, the magic and joy of Emerson was born! In 2019, I had thyroid cancer treated with a total thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine treatment, and now medication. In 2020, I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (a new cancer and not a recurrence). I had a lateral mastectomy and chemo and currently have no evidence of disease.
Throughout my experiences, I have learned the value of authentic relationships and deep friendships. While cancer can be alienating, lonely, and sad, it can also demonstrate the kindness, support, and welcoming hearts others have. I frequently talk to young adults, queer-identifying, and other individuals to help them feel less alone on their cancer journeys. For me, cancer isn’t “pink or fuzzy.” However, the lessons one can learn from it are important. Of these, gratitude for family, my partner, and a few close friends helps me appreciate the difference one person or one small act of kindness can make in another person’s life.
Annabelle Pare
Montréal, Canada
https://pareanna.wixsite.com/online-paint
Social Media: @pareanna
“Reaching the Moon”
Acrylic on canvas
24” x 18”
$500
Artist Statement: Life is a fragile, beautiful thing. I met Julie and I was impressed by her story and how she seems to hover on top of everything. She is involved in so many things and she is so grateful for her family and close friends.
She told me that she doesn't feel strong or that she is doing anything special, and that was the big difference between us because I find she is so strong and can share so much. I believe that her secret power is to be herself, loving her daughter, her boyfriend and close friends and family in a true and a simple way. Julie is so strong and at the same time very fragile.
I represented her daughter, Emerson, in my painting because Julie didn't want to be the centerpiece. The painting is full of colors and movement because it is how I see the world she is making around her people. We chose the colors together to make it ours.
Julie's story is a mix of the laughter, the sadness, the confusion, the heartbreak, the fear, the fight and the bliss shared with her family, I tried to express those feelings through this painting.
https://pareanna.wixsite.com/online-paint
Social Media: @pareanna
“Reaching the Moon”
Acrylic on canvas
24” x 18”
$500
Artist Statement: Life is a fragile, beautiful thing. I met Julie and I was impressed by her story and how she seems to hover on top of everything. She is involved in so many things and she is so grateful for her family and close friends.
She told me that she doesn't feel strong or that she is doing anything special, and that was the big difference between us because I find she is so strong and can share so much. I believe that her secret power is to be herself, loving her daughter, her boyfriend and close friends and family in a true and a simple way. Julie is so strong and at the same time very fragile.
I represented her daughter, Emerson, in my painting because Julie didn't want to be the centerpiece. The painting is full of colors and movement because it is how I see the world she is making around her people. We chose the colors together to make it ours.
Julie's story is a mix of the laughter, the sadness, the confusion, the heartbreak, the fear, the fight and the bliss shared with her family, I tried to express those feelings through this painting.