A message from Sandra SanTara ~
March 2020 changed all of us. For me, it was a triple whammy. While the pandemic was shutting everything down, I found out we had to move from our home of almost 10 years, and at that same time, I was diagnosed with Endometrial Cancer. It was a tremendous amount to be hit with all at once, particularly being a self-employed Artist who relied upon the Art show circuit as a major part of my income.
Because of the pandemic, the hospitals had restrictions so I was unable to get a full hysterectomy till the end of April. This advanced my cancer to a Stage 3A and I found that I would have to start chemotherapy two months after I healed from the surgery. Then I had a Colon Cancer scare which pushed the chemo start to August. The polyp was benign, thank goodness, so it was back to the scheduled chemo. Six treatments every 21 days and finished at the beginning of December. But as protocol, I saw the radiologist shortly after and found that I still had to do 27 days of external radiation therapy followed by one more internal vaginal treatment after. As I write this I am finishing the radiation treatment.
None of us knew 2020 was going to be such a pivotal year of change on all levels. For me, I am still processing much. It has changed the way I have had to survive. Though the savings I had last year helped greatly to get through the beginning of all this, cancer is insanely expensive and insurance only does so much. Because of all the treatments and the ongoing symptoms, my ability to work normally on my art and commissions has been greatly reduced. I pushed all outstanding custom work to the mid/ end of this year. I have not painted since February 2020. I have just enough energy to keep the online retail business rolling with the occasional design work.
I didn't want to start a charity page. I felt I should try as hard as I could to take care of the financial end of this myself through my artistic abilities. It's been a 30+ year habit to do so, but it has been made abundantly clear that I can't do this on my talents alone. Even with the amazing support of my soul sister Christy Grandjean, we found that setting up a Go Fund Me page had to be done. In addition, the move that was postponed from last Spring because of the pandemic is now happening this Spring. Our home has now been sold and we have to be out by May 1st. This also means we have to hire movers, something I never had to do before. Even the thought of packing is so daunting for me now. I am trusting I will have some of my strength back to do this by April but I know that is all I will be able to do.
All this being said I still would like to create a special gift art pin or sticker for helping me here. It would make me very happy to do this. It is all still down the road but will post about it later on my FB page with an opt-out option.
For those who wish to donate but want to use Paypal, that email is:
[email redacted]
For mailing checks: Sandra SanTara ~ PO Box 739 ~ Cedar Crest, NM 87008
For support through buying my art or merchandise: windwolf.com or etsy.com/shop/windwolfstudio
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your generosity. I am truly blessed by such dear loved ones, extraordinary friends, and an amazing community.
Current accurate visual of me except I don't fit in a sink any more. ;)
March 2020 changed all of us. For me, it was a triple whammy. While the pandemic was shutting everything down, I found out we had to move from our home of almost 10 years, and at that same time, I was diagnosed with Endometrial Cancer. It was a tremendous amount to be hit with all at once, particularly being a self-employed Artist who relied upon the Art show circuit as a major part of my income.
Because of the pandemic, the hospitals had restrictions so I was unable to get a full hysterectomy till the end of April. This advanced my cancer to a Stage 3A and I found that I would have to start chemotherapy two months after I healed from the surgery. Then I had a Colon Cancer scare which pushed the chemo start to August. The polyp was benign, thank goodness, so it was back to the scheduled chemo. Six treatments every 21 days and finished at the beginning of December. But as protocol, I saw the radiologist shortly after and found that I still had to do 27 days of external radiation therapy followed by one more internal vaginal treatment after. As I write this I am finishing the radiation treatment.
None of us knew 2020 was going to be such a pivotal year of change on all levels. For me, I am still processing much. It has changed the way I have had to survive. Though the savings I had last year helped greatly to get through the beginning of all this, cancer is insanely expensive and insurance only does so much. Because of all the treatments and the ongoing symptoms, my ability to work normally on my art and commissions has been greatly reduced. I pushed all outstanding custom work to the mid/ end of this year. I have not painted since February 2020. I have just enough energy to keep the online retail business rolling with the occasional design work.
I didn't want to start a charity page. I felt I should try as hard as I could to take care of the financial end of this myself through my artistic abilities. It's been a 30+ year habit to do so, but it has been made abundantly clear that I can't do this on my talents alone. Even with the amazing support of my soul sister Christy Grandjean, we found that setting up a Go Fund Me page had to be done. In addition, the move that was postponed from last Spring because of the pandemic is now happening this Spring. Our home has now been sold and we have to be out by May 1st. This also means we have to hire movers, something I never had to do before. Even the thought of packing is so daunting for me now. I am trusting I will have some of my strength back to do this by April but I know that is all I will be able to do.
All this being said I still would like to create a special gift art pin or sticker for helping me here. It would make me very happy to do this. It is all still down the road but will post about it later on my FB page with an opt-out option.
For those who wish to donate but want to use Paypal, that email is:
[email redacted]
For mailing checks: Sandra SanTara ~ PO Box 739 ~ Cedar Crest, NM 87008
For support through buying my art or merchandise: windwolf.com or etsy.com/shop/windwolfstudio
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your generosity. I am truly blessed by such dear loved ones, extraordinary friends, and an amazing community.
Current accurate visual of me except I don't fit in a sink any more. ;)
Organizer and beneficiary
Christy Grandjean
Organizer
Cedar Crest, NM
Sandra SanTara
Beneficiary