Art For Cancer: Healing through the art of painting

WATCH ABOVE: Art for Cancer Foundation provides free creative workshops for those affected by the disease. Susan Hay has the story of the organization founded by Cid Palacio after she lost both her parents to cancer within 15 months.

TORONTO- Art For Cancer Foundation was created by Cid Palacio four years ago. She believed that creative expression, through painting, was the glue that kept her together after losing both her parents to cancer.

“I personally experienced the healing power of art. I first picked up a paint brush when I was taking care of my mom who was dying of cancer. I used to get up at four in the morning and paint. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I knew that that process was healing for me,” said Palacio.

“Within 15 months of losing my mom, I also lost my dad … Art and creativity became even more important.”

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The foundation provides free workshops as a creative outlet for those affected by cancer.

Kelly Thorarinson volunteers her time to work as a program facilitator. Thorarinson and her husband had only been married for a short time when he was diagnosed with cancer.

It was almost two years later, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Art got me through,” said Thorarinson.

“Art really provided that means to express those things that there were really no words for.”

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Volunteering as the workshop facilitator has not only helped her to heal, but it’s helping others living with cancer to do the same.

Jessica Lui began to participate in these workshops nearly one year ago.

“When I came here, it’s like the first time I ever feel that I’m not in a battle, I’m not a patient, you can stop fighting,” said Lui.

Art for Cancer Foundation offers a range of programs including beginners workshops, which focus on creative expression, as well as a more intensive six-week program that ends with a display of work created by each participant.

“If not for Cid running this program, I don’t know where to go,” said Lui. “This is my safe place.”