It’ll Be What It’ll Be

Miami

Twist on Cancer: Going for a regular yearly mammogram at age 60, I was shocked to have my doctor say, "You need to see the surgeon now." She immediately sent me to his office. After surgery and difficult daily radiation for over six weeks, I believed what I said all along: "Whatever happens will happen." And I still believe it, just celebrating my 80th birthday. Cancer was not "the best thing that happened to me," as some say; it's just one of the things that happened, and I continue to deal with life, including a recent stroke. Sharing this attitude with my artist, I hope it inspired her. This experience made me feel very grateful that it is 20 years later and my mammograms are clean. Peace and love to us all.

Florida
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Artist Statement: When I met the remarkable woman who inspired this painting, I did not see an 80-year-old survivor. I saw a fearless spirit whose strength, determination and passion continue to shine brightly today. Throughout our conversations about her breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, recovery and even the stroke she later endured, one phrase continually surfaced: "It'll be what it'll be." While friends and family worried about her, she chose to meet life's uncertainties with remarkable peace and unwavering courage. She never allowed fear to define her or prevent her from living fully. That simple phrase became the title of this painting, because it perfectly embodies the way she embraces life: with acceptance, resilience and confidence. I chose to portray her as I imagined her in her 20s. This was not an attempt to erase time but to reveal the vibrant woman I still saw within her. Her youthful spirit remains unmistakable, and I wanted the portrait to reflect the resilience that has never faded. She stands with her arms raised, gathering her hair into a bun. A gesture that symbolizes triumph, confidence and the strength of someone who refuses to be defeated. It honors her journey through breast cancer and also her recovery from a stroke. She is surrounded by flowing red roses and flowing ribbons. The roses symbolize beauty, love and renewal, while the rich reds reflect her vibrant personality, courage and determination. The deep, midnight-blue sky represents the uncertainty and darkness that often accompany life's greatest challenges. Yet she remains illuminated at its center, reminding us that hope can exist even in our darkest moments. Although my inspiration underwent a mastectomy, I intentionally chose to portray her body as it existed before cancer. This decision reflects the heart of the piece. Cancer may have altered her body, but it never diminished her identity or the extraordinary strength that defines who she is. This portrait celebrates the woman cancer could never take away.