Portraits Of Survival
Art Celebrates Life:
In 2009, the Breast Center at Community Memorial Hospital joined with the Buenaventura Art Association to kick-off “A Celebration of Life.” Co-sponsored by Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation, local breast cancer survivors were partnered with eleven Buenaventura Art Association artists who were commissioned to create unique and personal artistic impressions associated with the cancer survivors’ experiences.
One pairing consisted of survivor Tamilyn Taylor and artist Janet Black. They found common ground, first, over their love of cats and coffee, and later met to talk about Tamilyn’s experiences with breast cancer.
Black, who does portraiture in collage, took the lead from Taylor’s story and has created a portrait of Taylor with, of course, her cat. “The most fascinating thing about this partnering,” said Black, “is that Tamilyn kept a journal during her diagnosis and treatment, and I was able to use pieces of that journal in the collage itself, surrounding her with her own words and memories, in her own handwriting.”
The eleven local artists participating in this program are Janet Black, Susan Cook, Lois Freeman-Fox, Jack Halbert, Debi Nowak-Hawkes, Dorothea Heger, Kathy Ikerd, Judy Klement, Lisa Skyheart Marshall, Sarah Willey and Kay Zetlmaier.
On January 20, 2010 the Ventura College Women's Basketball team sponsored a PINK ZONE fundraiser for the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation. They helped us raise funds to be used towards our education and advocacy community projects as well as our goal to open a Breast Cancer Resource Center in Ventura County. This event was such a success, that VCWB has offered to participate in this event annually. Thanks to Coach Robin Hester, the women's basketball players, the other coaches, professors, psychology club and numerous students, parents and supporter. If you would like to participate in next year's event, it will be held in the beginning of February. Our "Keep the Money Local Campaign" encourages all local vendors to participate by donating items for the silent auction. We are well on our way to financing our dreams.
Here is the photo of our honoary coach, Lesley Paarmann and honorary starters, Sylvia, Linda, Debbie, and Charlene, with the basketball players. Hooray!
Honorary Starters & Pink Zone Players
Our Ribbons of Life Photo Quilt was also on display at our
Pink Zone Quilt Table
On Sunday, April 20, 2008, CMH's Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation, its Gold Dust Gala Committee; the Buenaventura Art Association; and numerous local hair and make-up artists at the SPA by Diane Loring, Inc. showed their support to the breast cancer cause by inviting some Ribbons of Life women to receive makeovers. Artists were teamed up survivors to create artwork of a survivor with the artistic results to be sold in the fall to raise funds benefitting those who can't afford mammograms and other breast cancer tests. All who attended had a blast! Numerous community members participated and their attendance and kind words alone showed us how much they care. Thanks to all for being a witness to a true life celebration.
Every now and then, those active in our foundation attend events in the area to learn more about their health, and the health of others, while taking in some inspirational humor. In September 2007, we spent an evening with Patch Adams at Cal State Channel Islands. What a night!
An Evening with Belly Dancer Lesa Zorn
In October 2007, some of us spent and evening learned how to belly dance under the instruction of professional belly dancer, Lesa Zorn www.lesabellydance.com. We danced. The earth moved under our feet! We also learned how to shake our hips, bellies, play finger symbols and use those bright chiffon veils. This event also prepared us for an invitation to dance with Lesa at our December holiday celebration at The Greek at Ventura Harborside.
Our Holiday Party at The Greek
Our December dinner at The Greek helped us unwind after a busy year and reunite with those we may not see throughout the year. Thanks to Cathy Robbins and Mary Ellen Sheets for their coordination two years in a row.
