This Road of Survivorship

In partnership with Cactus Cancer Society, this column highlights pieces created by young adults facing cancer in our various programs that focus on creative coping and expression.

Cactus Cancer Society is an innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, ages 18-45.  We encourage, empower, and connect a diverse and growing community of YAs around the world, 24/7. For more information, visit their website here.

Photograph by Carol Anne

Carol Anne was my friend. She took lovely photos, had the fluffiest cats, and she passed away a few months ago. We spent hours and hours together in online programming with Cactus Cancer Society. I had the pleasure of hearing her writing, seeing her artwork, and listening to her creative and generous take on the world around us. I also bought this piece of hers at an auction and display it in my home. It shows a delicate, yet fierce frozen water bubble. Survivor’s guilt feels a lot like this to me. I’m fierce in my desire to honor my friend and her legacy while feeling sometimes delicate and fragile when considering my loss. Maybe that balance is OK. Maybe it is a good mindset to have when walking this road of survivorship.

— Mallory Casperson

This photograph was featured in the March 2023 Unseen Challenges of Survivorship issue of Elephants and Tea Magazine! Click here to read our magazine issues.