Madera cancer survivors paint, dine before next month's Relay for Life
Donald A. Promnitz/The Madera Tribune
Two-time breast cancer survivor Caroline Williams works on her painting. Williams marked her 20th anniversary as a cancer survivor at the Lunch-n-Paint.
Before running against cancer in the Relay for Life next month, survivors and caregivers received some time to relax, paint and share their experiences with one another.
The Madera Cancer Survivor Reception Lunch-n-Paint at the Madera Farm Bureau building was an opportunity to unwind and socialize for Maderans who beat cancer or are fighting it, along with those giving them care.
“We’re honoring our cancers survivors here in Madera. And so this is to give them a break from chemo, and doing treatment and all the stuff that comes with cancer,” said Relay for Life survivor chair Linda Nicacio on Saturday. “This gives them a break to not think about it … just for the day.”
“It’s a chance for me to give encouragement to someone who may be recently diagnosed,” said cancer survivor Caroline Williams. “And also, when I’m visiting with people who have been cancer-free even longer than I have, it gives me a lot of hope also that I’ll be around here for the maybe the next 20 to 30 years.”
Williams, who was diagnosed twice with breast cancer, went through chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. For her, the Lunch-n-Paint was a day to celebrate, as last Saturday fell on her 20th anniversary of being a survivor.
The survivors and caregivers used a model painting provided by Elaine Blake of the Madera Arts Council.
The Relay for Life will begin May 6 at Lions Town and Country Park, 100 S. Schnoor St.
