“Title”
Karen Xaverius
Chicago, IL
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: Participating in Brushes with Cancer 2026 is a memory I will cherish forever. Reflecting on my journey with cancer brings a mix of grief and gratitude, yet choosing to share and be vulnerable has been deeply rewarding. Art therapy, specifically collage work, has been part of my life for several years. Sometimes it’s easier to cut out words or images from magazines when I can’t yet articulate what I’m feeling myself. After my cancer diagnosis, this creative outlet helped give language to emotions I carried deep within. Having the opportunity to share my story with my artist, Joelle, stirred those same feelings. Although we have not yet met in person, I felt her passion and kindness through the phone during our very first conversation. I immediately felt safe—safe to share my story and to honor the journey thus far. Joelle and I spent many conversations talking about joy, hope, and what it means to move forward after cancer. We reflected on my love of community and the continued support of my family and friends. Joelle and I also spoke about my values and how they continue to guide me. One meaningful highlight of my cancer journey has been my tattoos—a true form of art therapy in the most literal sense. I can’t wait to see how she has woven all of these stories together in her final piece! My Twist on Cancer, now four years after diagnosis, is to continue leaning into my community—remembering that small steps are still steps. I think about the power of a ripple effect, and when those ripples come together, imagine the wave we can create together. I’d like to remember my dear friends, Molly and Ashley. Molly was just eight years old when she passed from cancer in 2023. Her motto was, “No give up in us.” Ashley introduced me to Brushes with Cancer, and though she passed from ovarian cancer in 2024, her words continue to guide me: “You should.” Molly and Ashley brought communities together through love, kindness, and a fierce, unwavering spirit. In honoring them, we are reminded not to give up hope in the face of cancer. When we unite in our shared experiences, we realize we are not alone.
Joelle Bilow
Artist Statement: I’ve come to believe that we are meant to connect with our inspirations for reasons beyond their cancer journey.
Karen is kind, empathetic, and deeply loving. She cares not only for her family and friends, but for others in a way that is genuine and constant. Giving back isn’t something she tries to do — it’s simply who she is.
After our last call I repainted this entire piece because I wanted it to truly reflect her, especially after sharing her marathon story! Karen’s story of an ER visit, was so powerful. You could feel Karen’s quiet strength and determination that define her as she shared the story. Karen has the kind of resolve that allows her to do anything she sets her mind to.
Once in remission, she made a decision that speaks volumes. She chose to run her second marathon. Karen was sick before the race and the ER doctor who had treated her strongly advised her not to run the Chicago Marathon. But that warning was not the end of her story.
Karen kept a promise she made to herself. She trained. She showed up. She ran the marathon — and she finished.
Along the way, she encountered that same ER doctor, who remembered her and asked what she had decided to do. With pride, she told him she ran the marathon and completed it.
That moment wasn’t just about running. It was about resilience. It was about courage. It was about honoring a promise to herself and fighting all the way to the finish line — just as she did when she overcame breast cancer.
Karen is a fighter. She believes in herself and in the power of setting your mind to something greater than your fears.
Karen, you have shown me that strength and heart can carry you through anything. Thank you for trusting me with your story.