Art As Therapy From the Bladder Cancer Community in 2025

Submitter: Lyn Banghart, Maryland

About their art:

Listen to Lyn sing her wonderful song here.

“My husband has had two surgeries for bladder cancer. He loves to hear me play the piano and sing. It comforts us both. I came across this little song and I love the words. I hope you do, too. He is doing really well, and is also a musician. I know that music has been a great therapy in our lives.”

Submitter: Larry C., Florida

About their art: “After my year long battle with bladder cancer, I made this red Eucalyptus hollow form with synthetic fire opals. I was looking to experiment with new media just as I was moving beyond the treatment treadmill. As I was about to take it to an art show, my wife/caregiver asked if I was going to sell it. ‘Only if you don’t want it’ I said. And it is in our living room today.”

Submitter: Christine, Virginia

About their art: “It helps me understand my journey and to appreciate the support of others. It also allows me to quietly tell my story.”

Submitter: David, Oregon

About their art: “This is a clay seagull I made in pottery class and my wife framed it for my 84th birthday.
My lifelong fascination with flight has always brought me joy, representing freedom. This image represents me letting go of the fear of my cancer.”

Submitter: Denise, Pennsylvania

About their art: “My son in law passed away from stage 4 bladder cancer almost 4 years ago. I became an integral part of my grandkids who were 5 & 3 at the time. Almost 2 years ago my daughter alienated from them. Art has been very therapeutic as it helps me from constantly worrying about them.”

Submitter: Denis, New Hampshire

About their art: “This allowed me to pay attention to detail! Painting, say again, painting, of a stained glass window as seen in the kitchen background of the Mork & Mindy comedy show from decades ago. Hung in office cube at Blue Cross & Blue Shield in the 80s and co-workers would pick it up wanting to look at the back thinking it was stained glass only to see the masonite that it is painted on! It’s 24″ x 36″.”

Submitter: Jenifer Donnelly, Pennsylvania

About their art: “Art has always been a part of life. I studied graphic design but always dabbled in some fine art. This painting is made with oil paint on mylar a smooth paper. I did a series of beach art. The beach is my calm spot. The sound of the ocean balances all my anxieties.”

Submitter: Dorinda, Idaho

About their art: “Photography has been my go to therapeutic release for a long time. I am a part-time professional photographer. After my initial round of BCG treatments were done I traveled to the Oregon coast with friends. I was celebrating my cancer win and break from treatment. I took hundreds of photos. This one is my favorite, this bird to me is resilience, perseverance and fierceness. We are kindred spirits and we can weather the storms of our past, present and future.”

Submitter: Vickie Dunlevy, Texas

About their art: “My piece is titled,
‘Fear of the Unknown.’ I was inspired to paint this 54″ x 54″ multimedia piece using my anxious energy after my bloodwork and CT scans had shown I might have issues with my pancreas last spring. Luckily all is good for now- but my “scanxiety” is arising since I will have all my 6 month tests in a month! Time to start another painting although I’m currently putting my nervous energy into a baby blanket.”

Submitter: David G., California

About their art: “I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in October 2024 and, after two TURBT procedures, opted for a radical cystectomy in mid-January. Two weeks later, I received the biopsy results: the cancer—pure squamous cell—was in the muscle and the lymph nodes. I am now facing chemotherapy and radiation. A few weeks ago, I attended my first session of Art for Recovery for cancer patients. The prompt that day was, “What’s in your nest? How has cancer changed things?” For two hours, I listened to live harp music and reconnected with the long-dormant artist in me. The result of that life-giving session is a piece I call Cardinal’s Nest. My nest, like my home, is still chaotic and messy—that hasn’t changed. But what’s in the nest has changed. My daughter’s partner has been with us through the tears, the despair, and the surgery, and will soon be moving in with us. I will have two “chickies” to love and embrace now. The nest is decorated with small, shiny, and beautiful things that reflect my renewed appreciation for the little joys in life. When I look at this piece, I feel gratitude for what I have and feel loved and supported as I move through this cancer journey.”

Submitter: Sherri Gaines, New York

About their art: “I love doing watercolor painting! It is challenging and relaxing to me; something I need to help ease the daily psychological stress of dealing with cancer. It helps restore my confidence in my ability to face difficulties in my life.”

Submitter: Annie Gardiner, California

About their art: A beloved Buddhist teacher and friend, now deceased, inspired me to write Haiku. Consistent with the time-honored tradition, I focus on nature – trees, birds, landscapes, and the seasons. During my treatment, however, I thought it might be helpful to write Haiku about my cancer experience, but quickly realized that sitting with Mother Earth’s offerings is the most healing for me.

Submitter: Daniel Gereg, Ohio

About their art:

Watch Daniel’s video here.

“When I first was diagnosed with NMIBC, and didn’t know the extent of it, my coping mechanism became distracting myself. I would walk my dog almost every day, regardless of weather or cold, and shoot a short TikTok video. I would tell of my experiences and helpful information that may aid someone in a time of need. One video turned into many, and now I can call myself a content creator. I have much content over all platforms. I believe I am touching lives wherever I go now. I finally get up every morning and do what I love, and sky is the limit.”

Submitter: Greg, California

About their art: “One of the perks I had at work study job cleaning tanks at UCSC Long Marine Lab was the access I had to areas behind the scenes. My favorite spots was a window that looked into the dolphin enclosure. While I observed the dolphins it became clear that they were just as interested in observing me. They pushed each other out of the way to hover at the glass and see the odd land mammal with a sketch pad.
This illustration captures the feeling of connection I had for just a little while with those magnificent creatures.
The quote from Isak Dinesen; ‘The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea,” speaks for itself.'”

Submitter: Mecehle Leon, Kansas

About their art: What it is: Solo show called “Bladder Interrupted” created in 2017 and performed in Kansas City and New York City. All information, including video clips of the show at http://www.oakmarrow.com

How it helped: I learned to laugh at cancer. I became fearless doing this solo show.

Submitter: Debbie M., Virginia

About their art: “Cancer is no stranger to our family.
My son (leukemia), my sister (breast cancer), my mother (breast cancer and non-Hodgkins lymphoma), my brother (prostate cancer), and me (bladder cancer). All have passed away and the most recent was my older brother Bob in 2024. He lived Maine and had a tiny cabin there that he would visit as often as possible for respite and relaxation. His sanctuary from his ministry life in Philadelphia. When he was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic prostate cancer in 2021, he could no longer live in his Philadelphia home, given his weakness and home structure, so we took him in to live with us and care for him. He gave away his home and sold his car thinking his life was over. However, he was able to get enough rehab and TLC to be able to buy another car and eventually drive himself to his beloved tiny home in Maine. Years before, I had asked him what he would like on a slate painting I was going to try and he told me “my cabin, the Portland lighthouse, his sailboat that he had built, our father’s American flag, and the Maine woods.” He called the painting “My Father’s Cabin.” Bob was able to live out two more years in his beloved cabin, mostly independent with a little assistance from neighbors. He died there in November 2024. In his happy place.”

Submitter: Paul M., Texas

About their art: “This provided inspiration during chemo treatments not to give up (BCG and Atezolizumab research trial failed).”

Submitter: Marc McManus, Washington

About their art: “Painting helps me reconnect with myself and my place in the universe. For me, that connection is both restorative and transformative.”

Submitter: Suzanne Minarcine, Georgia

About their art: My husband was first diagnosed with bladder cancer 6 years ago and it changed our life. While he has faced his diagnosis and treatments with humor and grace, I have been writing to help me process my anger at the first doctor and my gratitude to Midtown Urology and its staff. I hope my book and videos help others navigate this complicated process.

Submitter: Paula, North Carolina

About their art: “With fluid art (also called acrylic pour), the acrylic paint is much more liquid than ordinary acrylic paint. So instead of using a brush to paint a specific image, you pour the paint on the canvas. The different colors layer on top and underneath each other. You can tilt the canvas and blow on it. This gives a very abstract and unpredictable and, often, very beautiful image. When life is difficult, it is relaxing to let go, and let the paint find its way on your canvas. This one looks like a galaxy to me.”

Submitter: Jim R., Florida

About their art: “After my 5th bladder cancer surgery in Sept 2023 and between all of my subsequent BCG maintenance treatments at the Baptist MD Anderson Center in Jacksonville, FL, I felt a growing desire from within to reflect on my childhood growing up in Indianapolis and remember “my happy times visiting the Indy 500 track”. My father used to take me to the track to see the race cars practice, meeting some of the drivers, and even going to a few of the races, and my mother who was an art teacher I’m sure influenced me when growing up with painting and sculptures.
So, to take my mind off of my many visits for NMIBC low and high grade and the 25+ BCG infusions, the designing, cutting, and painting of my car art project helped remind me of the race drivers I enjoyed watching in the 1960’s (Jimmy Clark #82, Parnelli Jones #40, Jim Hurtubise #56), and even inspired me to start on a current day one too (Josef Newgarden #2).
This “race car art project” along with some other projects has been creative reflective enjoyable therapy for me, and I’ve received many compliments from neighbors when they see the cars displayed on the wall of my garage, making me feel yet even better.”

Submitter: Deborah Reed-Propst, Texas

About their art: “‘Healing Spirals’ acrylic on canvas 18” x 48. This painting is a symbolic representation. It’s a self portrait. I envision spirals as having healing energy. They surround and engulf me with their healing powers. The moth and butterfly in my pelvis/bladder area and heart areas are symbols of transformation and metamorphosis, just as these beautiful creatures completely change. I hope that my journey to survive will have a similar outcome. I pray that my body will renew itself and flourish with beauty and health as these beautiful creatures do.
I am a working artist. My artwork always helps me to delve into my emotions and explore how to resolve difficult situations and express feelings.”

Submitter: Sally, North Carolina

About their art: “I’ve been doing glass mosaics for quite a few years now as a hobby. After my UTUC diagnosis in 2022 I just couldn’t focus and gave it up for a while. I started making mosaics again last year because i realized that I missed the peace that creating art gave me. Making these mosaics has been very good for my morale and I recommend art as therapy for anyone going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment.”

Submitter: Mike Scharf, Wisconsin

About their art: “Cranes have always been a sign of strength and good luck for my family and me. A few days before my radical cystectomy in 2020, a pair of cranes flew over my wife and me while we were walking our dog. We took that as sign that my surgery would be successful! Despite a few bumps in the road I’m still here!”

Submitter: S.K. Sahni, Alabama

About their art: “I have been creating works based on straight line from the last three decades. After I came to know about my bladder cancer, I was very much depressed but creating work helped me to over come and control my tension.”

Submitter: Rich Spellman, Arizona

About their art: “I am an avid bass fisherman and have been making custom lures for many years. After being diagnosed with bladder cancer in July of 2024, I have been through 3 surgeries and BCG treatments. Painting and making lures has given me a great outlet while being stuck at home after surgeries and treatments.”

Submitter: Stewart, Arizona

About their art: “Woodworking has been my trade for over 50 years. Woodcarving has become much more prominent for me as I get older. I can sit and carve for hours. Very relaxing and satisfying. When I’m carving is one of the few times I don’t think of my cancer

Submitter: Tammi, Ohio

About their art: “2024 was hard on so many levels with the hardest being my husband having bladder cancer. I had applied for a gallery exhibition and in creating a series of work for the exhibition, I had to remind (sometimes push) myself to remember to just put one foot in front of the other and that each step was all part of the process. This series got me through days/nights of anger, frustration and simply feeling overwhelmed. In the end, I learned that no matter how alone we might feel, others are traveling a similar path of growth, healing and learning.”

Submitter: Tom V., Florida

About their art: I had not painted before my first occurrence of bladder cancer in 2015. Two years later a friend who was an artist asked me to sketch something for her. She then encouraged me to start my journey of painting acrylics on canvas. I found that painting took me to a different place where I became completely at ease, with great inner peace. Even time evaporated, so to speak.
I have had three recurrences since then and having a place of peace to go to has been very helpful in keeping balance and perspective in my life. One doesn’t have to be a Van Gogh to get the benefits. Try it!