Roey Kruvi is a cancer survivor. In 2017, when he was paired with Danny M. Cohen through our Brushes with Cancer program, he had never shared his cancer journey with anyone outside of his immediate family. In fact, his close family asked him to keep the news from his grandparents, so his cancer became a secret. His grandfather was a survivor of the Holocaust and had hidden in the forests of Europe to escape Nazi genocide. The man had been through enough, his family argued. Roey's grandfather died not knowing that his grandson, like him, had stared death in the face and survived. 

Danny, a busy professor at Northwestern University, volunteered as a Brushes with Cancer Artist because he had friends and family touched by the disease. He had no idea when he met Roey that their shared experience would change his life forever. In fact, Danny's growing friendship with Roey gave him an entirely new outlook on his future. He scaled back his work hours, and has reconnected with his love of making music.

Twist Out Cancer helped Danny find his voice, and Danny helped Roey find his. 

"Danny helped me shatter some of the illusions I had attached myself to. We began not knowing what would happen and found a deep and sincere friendship. Our conversations and silence moved me to find courage, to discover voice, and breathe easy once again."

Together, Danny and Roey's relationship grew far beyond the art they created, and last month, Danny facilitated Roey's wedding in St. Louis!

Danny and Roey are just two of the 200,000 individuals Twist Out Cancer has touched since our founding 10 years ago. Together, we have the power to tell more stories, to discover beauty, and uncover more friendships like theirs. 

There are more than 17 million cancer journeys to share through art in the U.S. alone and countless more from caregivers and previvors alike. 

Please make a gift now, and let's share more together.

Between now and July 5th, all gifts will be matched up to $10,000 thanks to our Sponsor Tito's Handmade Vodka! #LoveTitos

And if you are interested in making a multi-year gift, please consider joining our partner program to help sustain Twist Out Cancer's work into the next decade!

Brushes with Cancer strategically matches artists with those touched by cancer to create unique pieces of artwork reflective of their journey. Over a period of 5 months, pairs will connect virtually and their relationships are guided and supported by Twist Out Cancer mentors with the intention of creating a support system for both the artist and inspiration. The program finishes on a high note with our signature celebratory art exhibition, gala and auction where the artwork is revealed for the first time. Due to the nature of the pandemic all Brushes with Cancer programs will be held virtually with limited in-person art exhibitions.

"I am grateful for the Brushes with Cancer experience with my mom, and I hope that through the creation of this artwork she sees how brave and unwaveringly beautiful she forever is to me." -Ashley McAllister BWC. Inspiration 2020

Together, let's celebrate the past 10 years, and drive Twist Out Cancer forward into the next 10.  Twist partners are dedicated, passionate supporters who believe that anyone touched by cancer should have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of art to heal. Our hope is that Twist partners will make a three year commitment now that will ensure that the organization can grow its programs sustainably and deliberately as we embark on our next decade!  Please become a partner today!

Your contribution is an investment in an individual touched by cancer, giving voice to a story, healing to a family and expression through artwork.

Twist Out Cancer relies on generous charitable support from caring individuals like you to offer annual Brushes with Cancer programs, weekly Twistshops, and a vibrant community of support at no cost to participants. All programs are guided with licensed clinical supervision to address evolving psychosocial needs. We uniquely welcome survivors, caregivers and previvors, regardless of diagnosis and at any stage in the their journey. 

"Art is a wound turned into light." - Georges Braque