Social & Emotional Support for People Affected by Cancer

Video: Swissa Creative

Share. Connect. Heal.

Our Mission

Twist Out Cancer uses creative arts programming to provide social and emotional support to those who have been affected by cancer.

“Brushstrokes” by Giorgia Lupi

Become a Twist Partner

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upcoming Twistshops!

Become a Twist Partner and Invest in Healing

Check out our
upcoming Twistshops!

“When you share – the world opens up”

Jenna Benn Shersher, Founder of Twist Out Cancer

Brushes with Cancer 2026 Chicago

Join us on Saturday, March 14th at Brushes with Cancer in Chicago at Wildman BT, 3020 West Carroll Avenue, Chicago, IL

The evening will celebrate 27 inspirations and 27 artists that have spent the last 6 months connecting. The event will feature powerful storytelling led by reknown journalist Anthony Ponce, music and energy from DJ John Simmons and JJ Smith, dinner by Entertaining Company, and desserts crafted by celebrated chef Stephanie Izard. Dinner, dancing, and the live art auction will culminate in a joyful celebration of creativity, healing, and community—honoring courage, connection, and the transformative power of art. We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful night.

Tickets: $200 | Set of Two: $350 | Set of Four: $725
Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Featured In The News & Media

Runway of Resilience 2024: Chicagoans impacted by cancer hit the runway this for a cause

Fox 32 Chicago

“The Fertily Conversation Your Doctor Probably Won’t Have with You.”

Jadey

Brushes with Cancer is Featured in Sheridan Road Magazine

Sheridan Road Magazine

Featured Podcasts

A Conversation with Leah Phillips, Founder of Young Lung Initiative

In this episode, August Spree interviews Leah Phillips, founder of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative, who shares her personal journey with lung cancer, the stigma surrounding the disease, and her efforts to advocate for younger patients diagnosed with lung cancer. Leah discusses the importance of community, education, and visibility in supporting those affected by lung cancer, as well as her involvement in the Brushes with Cancer program. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and support for lung cancer patients, particularly those under 50, and the initiatives being undertaken to address these challenges.

Bob Brams and Jean Schlesinger

In this episode, we hear from Bob Brams, who is a Brain Cancer survivor, his wife and caregiver, Kim, and the artist Bob was matched with, Jean Schlesinger. They all live in Maryland. Bob shares the story from diagnosis to surgery and recovery. Kim’s unwavering support and advocacy were crucial during this time, as she coordinated his care and ensured he received the best possible treatment. Bob’s involvement with the Brushes with Cancer program connected him with artist Jean Schlesinger. Their collaboration not only provided Bob with a creative outlet but also highlighted the therapeutic power of art in healing and community building. Jean’s artwork, inspired by Bob’s meditation practice and the tranquil Chesapeake Bay, became a symbol of hope and resilience.

Jorge Ginzo and Oscar Montoya

Inspiration Jorge Ginzo and Artist Oscar Montoya are part of the Brushes with Cancer program at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami. Jorge is a survivor of Colon cancer and in this episode, Jorge and Oscar share the unexpected similarities in their personal stories and how they continually advocate for early testing among men.

Merton Briggs and Matthew Eckerle

Inspiration Merton Briggs – from Newark, Delaware – shares his story as a Multiple Myeloma survivor and how he responded when he was only given a few months to live. As part of the Brushes With Cancer program, he was matched with artist Matthew Eckerle, who is from Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Their connection started on a zoom call, which led to a true admiration for one another and a life-long friendship.

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to Diversity and
Inclusion

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Newest Blog Posts

When Cancer Met the Wrong Girl: A Story Written in Notebook Paper and Grit

When Cancer Met the Wrong Girl: A Story Written in Notebook Paper and Grit At 38, Samantha Lysk found a lump. At 39, her body was thrown into surgically induced menopause. These are the facts she recites with the same steady calm she once used to teach students or draft legal briefs. No drama. No

Marty Hogan on Survival, Fatherhood, and Finding Purpose

Mary Hogan on Survival, Fatherhood and Finding Purpose In a world where personal stories of resilience inspire and connect us, Marty Hogan’s journey stands out. As a leukemia survivor, Twist Out Cancer Board Member, and founder of Windsor Tough, Marty shares his incredible story on the Twist Out Cancer podcast, hosted by Soraya Fata, Twist

Twist Hearts: Honoring a Beloved Teacher at Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School

Twist Hearts: Honoring a Beloved Teacher at Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School On the evening of Thursday, August 21st, the halls of Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School resonated not only with the usual vibrant energy of learning but also with a profound sense of love, community, and connection. The school hosted a beautiful

Carrying Hope and Legacy: Honoring Ms. Manilow Through Art

Carrying Hope and Legacy: Honoring Ms. Manilow Through Art By Naomi Herman Ms. Manilow was one of those rare teachers who leaves a mark that lasts far beyond the classroom. She didn’t just teach math—she taught us how to persevere, how to show up, and how to lead with compassion. Even when she was going