Last week I had the opportunity to attend the annual Bras for the Cause Gala with my brother in Des Moines. I’ve posted some photos to social media, so maybe you’ve seen this sculpture already, but I wanted to share Keith’s (Keith Nelson Arts) description of the piece he created and donated to be auctioned off in my honor. All proceeds from the event go toward providing underprivileged women with necessary mammograms and cervical screenings.
How many people can say that their story inspired a piece of art? And that that piece of art is helping people? It’s pretty sweet. Below is the description of Keith’s sculpture.
“Every Ribbon Has a Story”
Aluminum, wood. 18”W x 20”D x 82”H
Aluminum and wood were used to create a contemporary visual illustration of a story far too many people are familiar with. The pencil and numerous ribbons symbolize countless individuals fighting the battle and sharing their own story from a place of love which is referenced by the heart pattern buffed into the metal sheet on which the ribbons and pencil rest.
The spinning spiraling pattern on the base represents the whirlwind of emotions and uncertainty that accompany a breast cancer diagnosis.
The three sides of the base are representative of the person battling cancer, the support team of friends and family, and the healthcare team. All working together to lift up the person the disease is trying to bring down.
The sculpture was created in honor of my sister Kim Harms and inspired by her story as a speaker, author, and Breast Cancer survivor. She is using her own story to inspire others through speaking engagements, numerous articles and a forthcoming book entitled, Life Reconstructed: A Girlfriend’s Guide to Mastectomies and Breast Reconstruction.
Because of Kim’s cancer diagnosis, our mother and numerous volunteers have started a ministry called Bosom Buddies which sends free mastectomy pillows worldwide through Kim’s website.
I am good with art, but my sister is incredible with words. As such, she is much better at telling her own story which can be found at kimharms.net, along with mastectomy and breast reconstruction information, encouragement and a form where requests for free mastectomy pillows can be made.
