Kate Sladek and Mignon Dupepe
The Story
Kate Sladek
Lemont, IL
Social Media: @k8sladek; @sladeksseekingwellness
Caregiver and breast cancer survivor
Twist on Cancer: While experiencing the cancer world alongside my late husband, Brian, we learned there was more to "cancer care" than conventional medicine has to offer. Our eyes were opened to integrative cancer treatment, which is the route I chose when faced with my own diagnosis. It's very different—encompassing the whole body vs. "just" the cancer. For example, I chose chronomodulated therapy, intense IV and oral nutrition and supplementation, off-label medications, coordinated lifestyle and diet changes, psychosocial support and counseling, exercise and more. I can't say enough about the importance of patient advocacy, for yourself and your loved ones! Get those second and third opinions, and explore what feels right. I learned that my gut was right on, and my family there supporting me made all the difference.
Social Media: @k8sladek; @sladeksseekingwellness
Caregiver and breast cancer survivor
Twist on Cancer: While experiencing the cancer world alongside my late husband, Brian, we learned there was more to "cancer care" than conventional medicine has to offer. Our eyes were opened to integrative cancer treatment, which is the route I chose when faced with my own diagnosis. It's very different—encompassing the whole body vs. "just" the cancer. For example, I chose chronomodulated therapy, intense IV and oral nutrition and supplementation, off-label medications, coordinated lifestyle and diet changes, psychosocial support and counseling, exercise and more. I can't say enough about the importance of patient advocacy, for yourself and your loved ones! Get those second and third opinions, and explore what feels right. I learned that my gut was right on, and my family there supporting me made all the difference.
Mignon Dupepe
Wilmette, IL
www.creativepossibilitiescounseling.com
“Porthole of Peace”
Acrylic paint and thread on wood board canvas
26”x36”
$450
Artist Statement: A deep appreciation for her support system, faith, and love shared with her husband and children, a pull to help others, an excitement to share resources for best wellness practices and a hopeful vision of the future contributed to the inspiration for Kate’s art piece. Her husband, Brian, encouraged Kate to pursue her passion for developing her business—Sladeks Seeking Wellness—amidst his blood cancer struggles and her own breast cancer treatments. A women’s retreat that Kate attended following Brian’s passing provided a profound experience to process her grief and permitted a revelation toward activating Sladek Seeking Wellness at Lorrayne Ranch in Guffey, Colorado. Supporting self-care and alternative/clean living therapies is a passion for Kate. As a caregiver, patient, grief survivor, Brookfield Zoo vet technician, cancer thriver, and solo parent of incredible twins, Vivienne and Avery, Kate appreciates the importance of self-care and connection. That desire to connect with others and share experiences drew Kate to Twist Out Cancer and other wellness/cancer support programs. This desire for best wellness practices fuels her vision for a clean living, environmentally healthy lifestyle. Kate feels comforted and at peace when in the mountains. The mountains provide a sense of hope and happiness as she imagines new opportunities personally and professionally. The “Porthole of Peace” art image captures the sense of peace that Kate experiences in the mountains. I used one of the photographs of Lorrayne Ranch as inspiration for the center of the piece. Cancer cell representations are painted and carved into the wood around the center to symbolize the significant impact cancer has played over the years for Kate and her family. The golden thread web that covers the cells and holds open the porthole represents the ever-constant support of family, friends, and her faith through her journey. My wish is that the image promotes a sense of calm and allows a porthole of hope and peace for the future.
www.creativepossibilitiescounseling.com
“Porthole of Peace”
Acrylic paint and thread on wood board canvas
26”x36”
$450
Artist Statement: A deep appreciation for her support system, faith, and love shared with her husband and children, a pull to help others, an excitement to share resources for best wellness practices and a hopeful vision of the future contributed to the inspiration for Kate’s art piece. Her husband, Brian, encouraged Kate to pursue her passion for developing her business—Sladeks Seeking Wellness—amidst his blood cancer struggles and her own breast cancer treatments. A women’s retreat that Kate attended following Brian’s passing provided a profound experience to process her grief and permitted a revelation toward activating Sladek Seeking Wellness at Lorrayne Ranch in Guffey, Colorado. Supporting self-care and alternative/clean living therapies is a passion for Kate. As a caregiver, patient, grief survivor, Brookfield Zoo vet technician, cancer thriver, and solo parent of incredible twins, Vivienne and Avery, Kate appreciates the importance of self-care and connection. That desire to connect with others and share experiences drew Kate to Twist Out Cancer and other wellness/cancer support programs. This desire for best wellness practices fuels her vision for a clean living, environmentally healthy lifestyle. Kate feels comforted and at peace when in the mountains. The mountains provide a sense of hope and happiness as she imagines new opportunities personally and professionally. The “Porthole of Peace” art image captures the sense of peace that Kate experiences in the mountains. I used one of the photographs of Lorrayne Ranch as inspiration for the center of the piece. Cancer cell representations are painted and carved into the wood around the center to symbolize the significant impact cancer has played over the years for Kate and her family. The golden thread web that covers the cells and holds open the porthole represents the ever-constant support of family, friends, and her faith through her journey. My wish is that the image promotes a sense of calm and allows a porthole of hope and peace for the future.