A NEW LIFE - peace and dignity at the end

My name is Anna Alcock. I’m an artist printmaker with two teenage children. I’m 48 years old. I have secondary breast cancer (2023), that means it’s terminal and life limiting- I’m going to die young. I was diagnosed with primary breast cancer in 2015, following which I had chemotherapy and mastectomy.

Below is the original request I wrote nearly nine months ago. I held off posting it as I thought with meditation and hard work I’d be able to successfully navigate divorce proceedings, my health and my children’s needs. Unfortunately, I’m no closer to resolving any of the above.

I was also worried about the impact my request for funding and disclosure about my cancer would have on work opportunities.

I’m asking for any help you can give.

If you’d like to buy my art, please follow me on instagram and if you see anything you like please direct message me. Or I have my work on Artfinder.com

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I write this on Sat 30 Dec- day before New Year’s Day. My teenage daughter has just told me she doesn’t have hope for the future. I have reassured her that I will make sure we get through this, that we WILL find peace and THERE is hope. I’m not going to let anything horrible happen. My children will be safe and well cared for (physically and mentally).

I have secondary breast cancer. I am in a toxic relationship and trying to get a divorce. I don’t have savings or disposable income. Every penny has gone into my children, home or to keep my studio functioning so that I can bring in money to look after my children and myself.

I am fortunate to have a rewarding career doing community engagement and being creative and have been embraced by a very creative community. I have chosen a career that allows flexibility so I can look after my children while doing something I love.

I really need your help.

Every share or pledge WILL bring us one step closer to our goals which are

1. Paying off my teenage daughter’s school fees due at the end of February. Her dream is to be an Art Director doing hand drawn animations for film.

2. Solicitors fees so we can get a fair settlement and my children have security when I’m no longer here.

3. Finding a home for my children so they have a room to themselves.

4. Trying to stay in the Walthamstow community so I have peace of mind as I get more ill.

5. Getting a dog for my son.

6. Moving costs.

7. Paying back friends who have helped my children and I over the past year with solicitors fees, writing my will, food, money and essentials.