Julie Ragland
How I Survived
Acrylic on paper
Artist Statement
This piece, "How I Survived" is a reflection of the journey I've gone through as a breast cancer survivor and BRCA2 genetic mutation carrier. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41, underwent a lumpectomy, mastectomy with aesthetic flat closure, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and a prophylactic oophorectomy and hysterectomy.
This piece depicts the many scars I've gained along this journey, from my port scar to my mastectomy scars to my hysterectomy scars. The colors and movement in the piece depict the very real emotions and myriad of procedures I've experienced. I'm so grateful that the doctors, medications, and treatments I've had access to literally saved my life. This, along with my will to live and support from my community, is how I survived.
52 Views of Cancer
52 Views of Cancer is a deck of playing cards illustrated by people who know cancer firsthand. Each of the 52 cards carries original artwork by a different cancer patient, survivor, or immediate family member, each with their own view of the disease.
The artwork comes first. We're bringing the deck to major scientific and medical conferences and putting these artists' work directly into the hands of the researchers and clinicians working on the cancers they've faced.
Learn more about Invenra’s efforts to fight cancer.
