NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Initiative Launches its “Passport to Genetic Discovery”
November 09, 2023
(Rock Island, IL) To get people thinking about their cancer risk, NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Initiative has created the “Passport to Genetic Discovery”, an extension of the girlpARTs Sculpture Project, a unique community education and awareness program focusing on genetic cancer risk. Through December 1st, torso sculptures will be on display in various Quad City locations alongside important, life-saving information.
People can participate by downloading the passport at https://bit.ly/2023-girlpARTs. Participants will receive visual clues to identify each sculpture at their respective locations. Participants may also choose to participate virtually. When complete, the passport can be dropped off or mailed to 1614 Second Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201, or emailed to [email protected] to be entered into a drawing for local gift cards.
The sculptures made their debut at the Riverssance Festival in Davenport, IA on September 16th and 17th. A reception was held on September 21st to celebrate the artists and community leaders who created these sculptures.
Learning about a person’s genetic makeup through counseling and screening can save a life. Several medical conditions and hundreds of genetic mutations can put people at higher risk for certain diseases. Two specific genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, have many variations that can play a role in the development of several cancers including ovarian, pancreatic, colon, uterine, prostate, melanoma, rectal, and breast.
Genetic counseling and screening can help people understand how their family history impacts their personal risk of developing cancer. A familial history of cancer can increase an individual's risk of developing cancer themselves.
One in 78 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. When caught early, the disease has a 92% five-year survival rate – but only 15% of diagnoses are made at this stage. There is no screening test, and the symptoms are subtle and/or attributed to other health conditions. Anyone born with ovaries is at risk for ovarian cancer (even if they have been removed).
NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Initiative is headquartered in Rock Island, IL. Their mission is to create better futures through early detection education, patient support services, and research funding for ovarian cancer – the silent killer of women.
The girlpARTs Sculpture Project is a unique community education and awareness program that focuses on the genetic relationships between breast, ovarian and other cancers. The Passport to Genetic Discovery activity is designed to get people thinking about their cancer risk.
This project pairs community leaders and local artists to create three-dimensional works of art (torso sculptures). The sculptures were featured at the Riverssance Art Fair (Davenport, IA) in September, before being placed in the community accompanied by critical health information.
This project is designed to provide critical health information in an easily accessible and creative way. The emphasis is on reaching underserved populations, including Hispanic, BIPOC, LGBTQ and others, who experience disparities within healthcare.
Learning about a person’s genetic makeup can save their life. Several medical conditions and hundreds of genetic mutations can put them at higher risk for certain diseases. Two specific genes, the BRCA1 and BRCA2, have many mutations that can play a role in the development of several cancers including ovarian, pancreatic, colon, uterine, prostate, melanoma, rectal, and breast.
Genetic counseling and screening can help a person understand how their family history impacts their personal risk for developing cancer. If someone in a family has been diagnosed with cancer, their relatives may also be at risk. All it takes is a simple blood test and is usually paid for by insurance.
Furthermore, ovarian cancer symptoms are subtle and easily ignored because they mimic non-life-threatening conditions like menopause, gastro-intestinal and urinary tract diseases. There are currently no screening tests for ovarian cancer; the pap test only screens for cervical cancer.
All people born with ovaries are at risk for ovarian cancer, even if they no longer have their ovaries. Those with a family history of breast and other cancers or who have had a history of gynecology issues may be at increased risk. Risk assessment, early detection, and appropriate medical referrals are essential to save lives.
It is well documented that utilizing art to meet community challenges can spur economic development and lessen the opportunity gap. The girlpARTs project connects our artistic and healthcare communities with information aimed at creating positive outcomes, especially in underrepresented and vulnerable populations.
Interested in purchasing a sculpture? Please contact us to discuss it.
Nature Goddess Artist: Lori Roderick Community Leader: Nicole Cline - Estes Construction
The inspiration for this project came from a conversation between the artist, Lori, and the sponsoring company representative, Nicole Cline. Nicole's family has experienced cancers associated with the BRCA2 gene mutation, so this project was especially meaningful to her. As they discussed her family and the joys, strengths, and faiths that buoyed them, Lori and Nicole kept returning to their connection to the land—specifically Iowa farmland. Many of Nicole's family memories are of strong people, rooted in the earth, and closely connected to kin. The Nature Goddess pays homage to them and the place they call home (see their names on the base of the piece). The materials used to decorate the torso are commonly found in and around midwestern farmland and were collected in Iowa. Lori and Nicole hope you take a moment to honor those in your life who have reached deep inside themselves to meet the challenges that BRCA2-type cancers present.
This sculpture is sponsored by Kent and Judi Pilcher Location: Augustana College Library, Rock Island
Beautifully Broken Artist: Aimee Ford Community Leader: Linda Cook - WHBF/Our Quad Cities
Women embrace “flaws”; “flaws” we didn't ask for, we didn't create, and cannot hide or change. We ALL have flaws - it's what makes us, us. This sculpture embraces brokenness and imitates putting oneself back together in the style of KINTSUGI. This Japanese art, of repairing broken items with gold, making the object stronger and more beautiful than it has ever been before. Aimee is no stranger to the impact cancer can have on someone. She has loved ones who were diagnosed with breast, colorectal and prostate cancers — all are linked to ovarian cancer through the BRCA gene. Aimee owns AF Studio in Moline and makes people more beautiful through her tattoo artwork. Linda Cook is a long-time supporter of NormaLeah's efforts to battle ovarian and other cancers and is wellknown for her media coverage and love for the arts.
This sculpture is sponsored by Linda Cook Location: AF Studio, Moline
Radical joy Artist: Emmalyn Mueller Community Leader: Jennifer L. Kincaid - Pepping, Balk, Kincaid & Olson, Ltd.
This sculpture celebrates resiliency while embracing playfulness. Emmalyn used joyful materials and colors to highlight the importance of prioritizing joy and self-care, especially during times of fear and hardship. As an LGBTQ person, she wants to raise awareness about the fact that cancers associated with women can also affect trans and non-binary people. The rainbows across the sculpture's chest normalize scarring and demonstrate connections between cancer and queerness. Emmalyn feels passionate that everyone deserves access to safe, equitable healthcare, and wants to promote awareness in an optimistic and inclusive way. Jennifer Kincaid is an attorney in the Quad Cities and is active in many community organizations, including the Jaycees of the Quad Cities Foundation.
This sculpture is sponsored by Jennifer Kincaid Location: Clock Inc., Rock Island
Lost Girls Artist: Latoya D. Lewis Community Leader: Gaye Shannon-Burnett, Azubuike Aftican American Council for the Arts
Latoya's inspiration is a cultural focus on what she describes as “The Lost Girls”. . . those who have endured the ignored suffering, presence, and lack of representation of black women and girls in our society. Her design vision was to elegantly piece together an artistic history of empowered, beautiful, and strong women. She uses images on the dress as well as the platform base to represent today's neglected black female, many who have risen above this “lost” segment of society. Latoya is a retired art teacher and owner of Art for the Spirit Tea Room and continues to create amazing artworks. Gaye ShannonBurnett is the Chairman of the Board of Azubuike African American Council for the Arts and has participated as an artist in the girlpARTs project in past years.
This sculpture is sponsored by Royal Neighbors of America Location: Community Healthcare, Davenport
Transfiguration Artist: Mary Wells Community Leader: Kevin Maynard - Quad City Arts
As an artist, Mary attempts to express the transformative elements involved in a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Her sculpture touts a butterfly motif, which is a beloved symbol of ovarian cancer. It also signifies the restorative transformation that comes with love and high-quality care for cancer patients. The base represents the dizzying aspects of cancer treatment, and the sparkles which are randomly strewn, represent prayers. This is the third time Mary's artwork has been selected for the girlpARTs Sculpture Project. Kevin Maynard is the Executive Director of Quad City Arts and is a prominent advocate for the arts in our community.
This sculpture is sponsored by Quad City Arts Location: Quad City Arts, Rock Island
Healthcare is for Every BODY Artist: Kimberly Kruse Community Leader: Dr. Lisa Killinger - Palmer College of Chiropractic
Healthcare is for every BODY. As a return artist, Kimberly chose to use a theme that highlights healthcare rights for the LGBTQIA+ community. As a member of the community herself, this is a topic that is near and dear to her heart and she is excited to showcase it in this year's sculpture. The sculpture includes the all inclusive symbol alongside a caduceus set against LGBTQIA+ pride colors. Teal accents are incorporated to reflect the color of ovarian cancer awareness. Appearing on the left side are Pride, Non-Binary, Trans and Asexual flags. These identities and orientations are often misunderstood and need to be brought to light as valid and respected within our communities. Everyone should have the right to be who they are on the inside as well as outside. Remember, LOVE is LOVE. Dr. Lisa Killinger has introduced the subject of ovarian cancer to more than 1500 students during her 30 years at Palmer College of Chiropractic and is very active in One Human Family QC.
This sculpture is sponsored by Café Express Deli Location: MetroLink Station, Moline
Empowerment Artist: Nikki Murray Community Leader: Beth Tinsman – Twin State Technical Services
“Cancer” is one of the most frightening and life-altering diagnoses a person can hear. Unfortunately, five years ago, it was a diagnosis Nikki received at the age of 30. As she had overcome some personal difficulties and was looking toward the future with optimism, she felt as if the universe had hit her with a death sentence, and a final verdict – “you weren't meant to find your joy”. However, her battle (and victory) against breast cancer paved the way for a journey of empowerment and rediscovery of her femininity. After her diagnosis, she began studying burlesque dance to reclaim herself, and remove the power of a disease that tried to take her life. It only seemed natural to create a burlesque-inspired sculpture centered around ovarian cancer and feminine empowerment. Nikki's genuine hope is that anyone who sees this work will remember who they are and all they can still become; that beauty and worth as a human being is not defined by an ugly word that leaves both physical and spiritual scars. Beth Tinsman is the President of Twin State Technical Services and was the recipient of NormaLeah’s Butterfly Circle Award in 2022.
This sculpture is sponsored by Twin State Technical Services Location: Scott Community College, Riverdale
JANE Artists: Jill Wilson & Sarah Bybee Community Leader: Heather Tahja – Rock Island Arsenal
The name for this sculpture and the image in which it was created is based on stories told by Heather, a local ovarian cancer survivor. Jane is an ovarian cancer survivor and Normaleah board member who reached out to Heather in the dark days immediately following her 2018 diagnosis, providing resources, comfort, and encouragement. Although they hadn't met, Jane showed up to hold Heather's hand during her first round of chemotherapy. This small gesture gave her hope. Heather said, “There's no earthly words to describe the profound impact that Jane's kindness towards me, a complete stranger, had during some of my darkest days. She is my forever hero”. The hands over the sculpture’s heart represents Jane and the power of love and kindness. JANE is also the name of the artists' centenarian neighbor with sparkling blue eyes that have seen l00 years of adventures. Jane doesn't worry when she will gain her wings. She focuses on living each day to the fullest and making memories with friends and family. Jane's laughter fills a room and we could all learn a lot about how to embrace life. The colorful beaded bodice represents Jane's sparkling eyes. JANE also stands for JESUS, ART, NATURE, and ENERGY, the four things that empowered Heather most on her ovarian cancer journey. The wings represent one of Heather's favorite Bible verses, Psalm 91, “he will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Heather dreams of a world where there is a cure for ovarian cancer. Until then, she advocates relentlessly for all women and spreads education and awareness about ovarian cancer.
This sculpture is sponsored by University of Iowa Healthcare Location: Western Illinois University, Moline