“Hope + Renewal”
Mary Corral
Chicago, IL
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: Looking back, my experience with cancer was life-changing in so many ways. Stage 4 lung cancer at 51 and not even a smoker. Cancer forced me to retire early in order to battle the disease that was taking its toll. My life took a pivot that I didn’t see coming. I credit my survival to my husband, my children and my grandchildren, my faith, and my amazing health teams. Lessons learned for me are: never give up, don’t be afraid to try new things, and change what’s not working. Life is short; don’t waste time, be forgiving, and find joy. Kindness and hope heal. I didn’t let cancer kill my spirit.
Rosa Henriquez
Miami, FL
www.cocoartmiami.com
Social Media: @cocoartmiami
“Hope + Renewal”
Watercolors and gouache with gold metallic thread and acrylic markers
18” x 24” without frame
$125
Artist Statement: My art was created inspired by my Brushes with Cancer match, Mary Corral, a cancer survivor who was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer at age 51. At the time, her life as a professional and family woman, came to an unexpected halt. Today, after years in remission, she looks toward the future with renewed hope and a desire to return to the places and experiences that bring her joy. In one of our many conversations, I asked what she would like to do again as life returned to a new sense of normal;, she shared her dream of traveling to Europe and, especially, returning to France to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, a place deeply meaningful to her faith. She also shared her love of roses. The piece I created depicts Our Lady of Lourdes surrounded by pink and red roses, with a light blue background inspired by the cascading water of the shrine. Her halo is hand-stitched in golden thread, adding a tactile element of light, faith, and resilience. During our art reveal, she chose to name the piece Hope + Renewal, a name that beautifully captures the spirit of her journey and the possibilities that lie ahead.