Local Cancer Survivor’s Artwork Featured on Holiday Card

Laura Slocum (right) poses in front of a mural she painted at The Center for Cancer Wellness, Candy’s Place, with Center Coordinator, Nicole Farber (left).
[/caption]Laura Slocum of Shavertown recently partnered with the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute to create a design for the organization’s 2011 Holiday Card.

Each year, the Cancer Institute invites a local cancer survivor to submit artwork for the cover of a holiday card sent to over 500 individuals and organizations. Slocum created a watercolor painting featuring classic holiday candy.

Diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2009, Slocum later tested positive for the BRCA 1 genetic mutation and underwent a double mastectomy as a precautionary measure. After her recovery, she began volunteering at The Center for Cancer Wellness, Candy’s Place and Camp Bravehearts.

“The biggest thing that I can do from this experience is to be there for others,” says Slocum.

Currently, Slocum also volunteers as a boys’ soccer coach, teaches a yoga/Pilates class called “Body Flow” at a local gym, and substitutes in older adult fitness programs for both the Silver Sneakers program and Greenbriar Nursing Home. In addition to painting, she also makes and sells handcrafted jewelry. She resides in Shavertown with her husband, Bartt, and has two sons, Drew and Alex.

Laura Slocum (right) poses in front of a mural she painted at The Center for Cancer Wellness, Candy’s Place, with Center Coordinator, Nicole Farber (left).