Kristen Finnegan & Kiran Chouhan
The Story
Kristen Finnegan
Chicago, IL
@KmFinnegan
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: Cancer taught me that change is constant and inevitable. We can't fight against it and so I've learned to remain afloat in life's turbulent waves. Some days, the waters are calm, and others bring storms that threaten to pull me under. But I've discovered resources within myself I never knew existed—resilience, patience, and a surprising capacity for hope even on the darkest days.I prefer to take my diagnosis head-on rather than hide from difficult truths. This direct approach has given me a sense of agency during a time when so much feels out of control. Knowledge, even when painful, has been a source of power. I am deeply grateful to those who've stayed with me along this journey. Cancer reveals who truly stands beside you when things get difficult. These relationships have deepened beyond what I could have imagined, becoming lifelines of support, laughter, and normalcy when everything else changed. What I want others to know about my experience with cancer is that while it takes so much, it also gives unexpected gifts: a sharper appreciation for ordinary moments, clearer priorities, and the liberation that comes from no longer sweating the small stuff. Cancer has taught me that life is both more fragile and more resilient than I ever understood before.
@KmFinnegan
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: Cancer taught me that change is constant and inevitable. We can't fight against it and so I've learned to remain afloat in life's turbulent waves. Some days, the waters are calm, and others bring storms that threaten to pull me under. But I've discovered resources within myself I never knew existed—resilience, patience, and a surprising capacity for hope even on the darkest days.I prefer to take my diagnosis head-on rather than hide from difficult truths. This direct approach has given me a sense of agency during a time when so much feels out of control. Knowledge, even when painful, has been a source of power. I am deeply grateful to those who've stayed with me along this journey. Cancer reveals who truly stands beside you when things get difficult. These relationships have deepened beyond what I could have imagined, becoming lifelines of support, laughter, and normalcy when everything else changed. What I want others to know about my experience with cancer is that while it takes so much, it also gives unexpected gifts: a sharper appreciation for ordinary moments, clearer priorities, and the liberation that comes from no longer sweating the small stuff. Cancer has taught me that life is both more fragile and more resilient than I ever understood before.
Kiran Chouhan
Grayslake, IL
https://www.kiransmanifestismart4u.com/
@manifestism.art
“I am Strength”
Acrylic
20”x30”x0.7”
$4,500
Artist Statement: It was truly a pleasure to know and work with my inspiration, Kristen.
When we first met virtually, Kristen shared her story with me, how she felt when she was diagnosed with cancer and how she faced this challenging phase of her life with immense willpower. She had been living a healthy lifestyle, practicing yoga and meditation daily. So, when she was diagnosed with cancer, the news came as a deep shock to her. But Kristen never lost hope; she manifested her healthy body back.
However, this journey was far from easy. After our video call, I kept thinking about it for two days; coming back from Stage IV cancer to a normal life is truly extraordinary. Cancer is like a dark tide that sweeps over one's life, threatening to consume happiness and identity. But if a person resolves to fight, keeping the flame of courage and belief alive, no dark tide can harm them, it will simply pass by.
Every journey has multiple perspectives, and it is up to us where we choose to focus our attention. As a "Manifestism" artist (a term I have coined), I create paintings that inspire and help manifest one's deepest desires. That’s why I decided to capture the strongest essence of Kristen’s experience on canvas: the power of believing in oneself.
The strength to win any battle lies within you.
"Man ke haare haar hai, man ke jeete jeet." An Indian saying means, “Defeat is in the mind, and so is victory.”
https://www.kiransmanifestismart4u.com/
@manifestism.art
“I am Strength”
Acrylic
20”x30”x0.7”
$4,500
Artist Statement: It was truly a pleasure to know and work with my inspiration, Kristen.
When we first met virtually, Kristen shared her story with me, how she felt when she was diagnosed with cancer and how she faced this challenging phase of her life with immense willpower. She had been living a healthy lifestyle, practicing yoga and meditation daily. So, when she was diagnosed with cancer, the news came as a deep shock to her. But Kristen never lost hope; she manifested her healthy body back.
However, this journey was far from easy. After our video call, I kept thinking about it for two days; coming back from Stage IV cancer to a normal life is truly extraordinary. Cancer is like a dark tide that sweeps over one's life, threatening to consume happiness and identity. But if a person resolves to fight, keeping the flame of courage and belief alive, no dark tide can harm them, it will simply pass by.
Every journey has multiple perspectives, and it is up to us where we choose to focus our attention. As a "Manifestism" artist (a term I have coined), I create paintings that inspire and help manifest one's deepest desires. That’s why I decided to capture the strongest essence of Kristen’s experience on canvas: the power of believing in oneself.
The strength to win any battle lies within you.
"Man ke haare haar hai, man ke jeete jeet." An Indian saying means, “Defeat is in the mind, and so is victory.”
