As a long-term cancer survivor, Matthew Zachary understands the special life issues cancer survivors face after treatment ends. Steps For Living reflects the vision and passion of his understanding. When Zachary, a musician, was diagnosed with brain cancer 10 years ago, there were few resources available for anyone surviving cancer. Today, the world of survivorship is a world away from what it was when Zachary was first diagnosed. The real issues of survivorship are beginning to be realized and discussed at local and national levels. As a result, the resources for survivors continues to grow. Steps For Living and Art of Survivorship are contributing to this growth of survivor resources with music and art. By bringing together a community of survivor-musicians, writers and visual artists, all with the intention of creating a series of programs and tools designed to bring both knowledge and hope to those in need, Zachary offers a unique and vital resource for survivors. As a cancer survivor, I know that Zachary expresses a clear vision and intuitive truth when I read the introduction to the Art of Survivorship community, which states: each of these individuals, when faced with a diagnosis of cancer, got busy living by choosing to create (express themselves), connect (share their stories) and unite (celebrate their survivorship through the arts.) Zachary understands, as only a survivor can.
1. I know Matthew and his work. They are an example of survival behavior. I use patients drawings and talk about the art of healing. Matthew has used his art to help him to survive. We are all mortal but we also need to learn from those who exceed expectations and realize it is not a spontaneous remission but a spontaneous reversal of the disease which occurs. Read genetecist Bruce Lipton's The Biology of Belief and some of my books to get the message. Heal your life, give it meaning and physical benefits occur too as Matthew reveals.
Posted at 10:22AM on Feb 5th 2006 by Bernie Siegel, MD