How Artist Erin Harris Preserves the Memories


Living, going and fighting
In 2021, Erin was paired with 13-year-old Jackson Forssberg and his mother, Lisa Howard for his third Brushes with Cancer experience. Even as a seasoned Brushes Artist, Erin was not prepared for the path ahead. “I won’t lie or sugarcoat,” he said. “It was extremely rough.” But because he was a seasoned Brushes with Cancer Artist, he was more prepared than he realized. “I knew the process, I knew what was expected and what needed to be done – but each year is different, each person is different and their situation is going to be different.” At the time, Jackson was in the middle of aggressive treatment for stage four colon cancer, so Erin only spoke with his mother, Lisa. “I talked to Lisa three times because their schedule was nonstop – trying not to look at the potential end result,” he said. “They were living, going and fighting, so I feel bad we didn’t get to talk much, but I understand why.” Although the time spent together was brief, Erin already had a deep understanding of what it’s like for a mother and son to go through such hardship together. “Because I’ve had firsthand experience, I can relate on a different level,” he said. “I have my own story, and that can lead to being able to connect quicker.” In February of 2022, Erin received devastating news. His Inspiration, Jackson, had passed. “When someone of any age passes from cancer, it’s tragic and sad,” Erin said. “But something hits differently when it’s a 13-year-old boy.”