the canvas of cancer

In September of 2024, TimesUP Productions hosted The Canvas of Cancer, a powerful event held in honor of Cancer Awareness Month, created to shed light on how cancer manifests in various forms, including art. Held at Connect Gallery in Hyde Park, the event featured multiple expressions of the cancer experience, from emotional and physical struggles to resilience and healing.

The evening began with a sneak peek of Do We Really Have Control, a documentary that provides an intimate look into the lives of young adult cancer survivors. This was complemented by a presentation from the American Cancer Society on the critical importance of cancer research and the VOICES Study, which amplifies the voices of young survivors through personal storytelling to raise awareness and improve survivorship care.

The event also featured The Guardian Angel, a poignant art piece by Monsieur Lamont, inspired by his mother’s battle with breast cancer. Kristen Turner, whose mother passed away from cancer, delivered a moving spoken word performance, drawing inspiration from both her personal loss and TimesUP’s mission.

A key moment of the evening was the presentation of the Unsung Hero Award to Lt. Governor Stratton, who accepted the honor for her significant contributions to cancer care and her role in Tiffany White’s recovery.

The Canvas of Cancer highlighted the diverse ways in which cancer affects individuals, caregivers, and the world at large. Sponsored by Eventnoire, the event also featured UChicago Medicine, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, MDNewsLine, Humor Beats Cancer, SanJustinsKitchen, and the Bronzeville Winery. This unforgettable night emphasized the power of art, community, and advocacy in the fight against cancer