Theresa Rees & Amy Schloss
The Story
Theresa Rees
Elgin, IL
@i.am.truly.tree
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: Twist on Cancer: The number one lesson cancer taught me was to be your own advocate and make the doctors hear you. As an aya (Adolescent/Young Adult) we aren't taken seriously when talking with some doctors, so make them listen. If that's complaining about the same things, filming when things happen, sending photos, showing data, anything and everything. Make them listen! It is your life you are fighting for! Also, be an advocate for others in your community. They need support just as much or even more than you sometimes do. You may feel like one person can’t change much; one person leads to two people that leads to three and beyond. I thought I couldn't be a person who was a support or leader because of sickness, but I was wrong; I created a small chemo care bag project that packed 125 bags for people in the cancer community. I have spoken about my experience, written about it, and have become a volunteer host for a digital cancer meeting. Put your power into the things that bring joy, things that make you and those around you smile, and never think that your story isn't powerful because it is.
@i.am.truly.tree
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: Twist on Cancer: The number one lesson cancer taught me was to be your own advocate and make the doctors hear you. As an aya (Adolescent/Young Adult) we aren't taken seriously when talking with some doctors, so make them listen. If that's complaining about the same things, filming when things happen, sending photos, showing data, anything and everything. Make them listen! It is your life you are fighting for! Also, be an advocate for others in your community. They need support just as much or even more than you sometimes do. You may feel like one person can’t change much; one person leads to two people that leads to three and beyond. I thought I couldn't be a person who was a support or leader because of sickness, but I was wrong; I created a small chemo care bag project that packed 125 bags for people in the cancer community. I have spoken about my experience, written about it, and have become a volunteer host for a digital cancer meeting. Put your power into the things that bring joy, things that make you and those around you smile, and never think that your story isn't powerful because it is.
Amy Schloss
Chicago, IL
@aks_illus
“TRee”
Watercolor
18 in x 24 in x 1in
$300
Artist Statement: Participating as an artist in Brushes with Cancer has been a profoundly transformative journey. I am deeply honored to have heard Theresa’s powerful story and translated it visually through my piece, TRee.
Theresa taught me so much about courage. Displayed in her journey to reaching a diagnosis, throughout treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and in the subsequent twists and turns she has faced in the survivorship period, she repeatedly advocates for herself and stands strong in what she knows to be true.
Through the course of our meetings, it became clear to me that Theresa holds deep compassion for others. Leading various adolescent and young adults with cancer peer support groups, Theresa has made it her mission to support AYAs facing similar journeys. I was always so moved by Theresa’s genuine desire to make every participant in her peer support groups feel heard, understood, and uplifted. Every Zoom call with Theresa was filled with laughter. Theresa carries a gift for storytelling with playful charm.
When Theresa shared her lifelong nickname, Tree, it became clear how best to represent her story visually. Like a mighty tree, she stands tall and steadfast through life’s challenges, offering strength and shelter to those around her. Her presence is a source of comfort, allowing others to lean on her and thrive under the care of her enduring spirit. Symbolized by the violet treehouse, her journey with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma will always be a part of her. Yet each day, she continues to grow, branching out and flourishing beyond it.
@aks_illus
“TRee”
Watercolor
18 in x 24 in x 1in
$300
Artist Statement: Participating as an artist in Brushes with Cancer has been a profoundly transformative journey. I am deeply honored to have heard Theresa’s powerful story and translated it visually through my piece, TRee.
Theresa taught me so much about courage. Displayed in her journey to reaching a diagnosis, throughout treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and in the subsequent twists and turns she has faced in the survivorship period, she repeatedly advocates for herself and stands strong in what she knows to be true.
Through the course of our meetings, it became clear to me that Theresa holds deep compassion for others. Leading various adolescent and young adults with cancer peer support groups, Theresa has made it her mission to support AYAs facing similar journeys. I was always so moved by Theresa’s genuine desire to make every participant in her peer support groups feel heard, understood, and uplifted. Every Zoom call with Theresa was filled with laughter. Theresa carries a gift for storytelling with playful charm.
When Theresa shared her lifelong nickname, Tree, it became clear how best to represent her story visually. Like a mighty tree, she stands tall and steadfast through life’s challenges, offering strength and shelter to those around her. Her presence is a source of comfort, allowing others to lean on her and thrive under the care of her enduring spirit. Symbolized by the violet treehouse, her journey with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma will always be a part of her. Yet each day, she continues to grow, branching out and flourishing beyond it.