ALANA'S BEAD SHOP - Fighting Cancer One BEAD at a Time

FIGHTING CANCER ONE BEAD AT A TIME

Your donation funds art therapy for other patients fighting cancer like me! 

In 2023, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 29 years old. The news was overwhelming, and I felt like my world had been turned upside down. Amidst the whirlwind of treatments and doctor visits, I discovered art therapy at the Cleveland Clinic, which became a significant turning point in my journey. After IVF, 2 surgeries, 3 months of chemo, 25 rounds of radiation, and 1 million pokes and doctors visits later, I found out I was cancer free. 

Fast forward to November 2024. A little pain in my neck prompted me to visit the doctor for a scan. Soon after my world came crashing down again. My doctors found two new malignant tumors, and diagnosed me with metastatic breast cancer. I underwent a major spine surgery, which put me on the hospital for a 27 day stay. During this time, art therapy saved me. It was something to look forward to each day and the best distraction from the pain. I started beading. Making bracelets for my family, nurses, doctors, and friends. Spreading joy and kindness one bead at a time. 

WHY ART THERAPY IS SO HELPFUL

Art therapy can be incredibly beneficial for cancer patients, offering a creative outlet to express emotions and cope with the stress of treatment. By engaging in activities like drawing, painting, or sculpting, patients can process their feelings in a non-verbal way, which can be especially helpful when words are hard to find. 

I’d like to give a special shout out to the art therapy department at the Cleveland Clinic for helping support me during this tricky time.