Heather Corallo and Diane Rakocy
The Story
Heather Corallo
Heather Corallo
Evanston, IL
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: I would say that my lessons were:
1. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Embrace the people who love you and want to be there for you. This illness was too hard to go through alone.
2. The power of the mind is incredible. I've learned meditation and positive thinking a completely reasonable pain management strategy, and when applied well can be a game changer.
3. Advocate. Advocate. Advocate. The medical system in this country is not supportive of its patients. I found I had to be my own advocate to push for tests and treatment, and when that failed, I needed to bring in reinforcements as well (husband, parents, friends) to be my voice.
Evanston, IL
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: I would say that my lessons were:
1. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Embrace the people who love you and want to be there for you. This illness was too hard to go through alone.
2. The power of the mind is incredible. I've learned meditation and positive thinking a completely reasonable pain management strategy, and when applied well can be a game changer.
3. Advocate. Advocate. Advocate. The medical system in this country is not supportive of its patients. I found I had to be my own advocate to push for tests and treatment, and when that failed, I needed to bring in reinforcements as well (husband, parents, friends) to be my voice.
Diane Rakocy
Chicago, IL
@dianerakocy
www.dianerakocy.com
“What are we waiting for?”
Acrylic on canvas
12” x 12” x 1.5”
$525
Artist Statement: At our very first meeting, Heather told me she would be traveling to Hawaii the following week. Shortly before her diagnosis, she had volunteered to help in Lahaina, the city devastated by fires. She was so moved by the experience that she vowed to return with her husband and son one day. Less than a year later, the three of them were on their way back.
“Cancer does that,” she explained. “I mean, what am I waiting for?”
That was one of the many shifts in perspective that Heather experienced during her journey with cancer. Hearing her story over the course of our time working together, my perspectives began to shift as well, and in a beautiful way.
I wanted to create a painting that captured the bright and beautiful essence of Heather.
The delicately petalled Hawaiian hibiscus flower is symbolically linked to beauty, femininity, and love. Its bright colors signify pure and enduring grace. That, to me, epitomizes Heather and her journey.
I am beyond grateful to be (forever) connected with Heather and her family. I could not be more inspired by such a beautiful human.
In Gratitude. Diane
September, 2024
@dianerakocy
www.dianerakocy.com
“What are we waiting for?”
Acrylic on canvas
12” x 12” x 1.5”
$525
Artist Statement: At our very first meeting, Heather told me she would be traveling to Hawaii the following week. Shortly before her diagnosis, she had volunteered to help in Lahaina, the city devastated by fires. She was so moved by the experience that she vowed to return with her husband and son one day. Less than a year later, the three of them were on their way back.
“Cancer does that,” she explained. “I mean, what am I waiting for?”
That was one of the many shifts in perspective that Heather experienced during her journey with cancer. Hearing her story over the course of our time working together, my perspectives began to shift as well, and in a beautiful way.
I wanted to create a painting that captured the bright and beautiful essence of Heather.
The delicately petalled Hawaiian hibiscus flower is symbolically linked to beauty, femininity, and love. Its bright colors signify pure and enduring grace. That, to me, epitomizes Heather and her journey.
I am beyond grateful to be (forever) connected with Heather and her family. I could not be more inspired by such a beautiful human.
In Gratitude. Diane
September, 2024