October 2011

Iiadonnasanova Owens-Williamson, Family Member, Bone and Breast Cancers
Angel of Hope

Iiadonnasanova Owens-Williamson has lost two lives to cancer: her father and sister. Her artwork is featured in October of this year's calendar and this particular piece speaks to “many different cancers invading our waters of life, slowly breaking the surface and taking those we love into an unknown dimension of existence.”

Her family did not have a history of cancer so the loss of her loved ones was unexpected. She is both an artist and a teacher. “I've always been an artist and hoped to influence and help others through my art,” she said, “but I did not foresee how my art would help me.”

Through her artwork, Iiadonnasanova has learned to deal with her fear and hatred of cancer. It was a therapeutic discovery for her. “Many days the effects of cancer have left me numb, angry, defeated, tired, frustrated, helpless, small and hopeless,” she said, “I had to make a conscious decision to allow myself to create cancer-themed artwork. Since doing this, I feel inspired, motivated, expressive, empowered and armored.”

To describe her artwork, Iiadonnasanova said, “Our prayers, at times, appear to go up into an expanse of uncertainty but many are actually being greeted by an 'Angel of Hope.' This angel addresses each cure individually, taking on each affliction as her own. With so many pleas for a cure coming at once, a few slip through and cross over but are replaced with ever-present, golden lights of memories that remain to remind and guide us all to a cure.”

More information about the Expressions of Hope calendar is available at www.cancer.net/expressionsofhope.