Breast cancer survivors Nikki and Linda painted their surgical scars onto canvas at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital's latest ScART session, turning marks of treatment into personal artwork.
The healing arts program, held Saturday, Aug. 22, brought together patients, survivors and caregivers for a group painting session. Participants duplicated their scars on canvas, then surrounded them with their own designs. At the end, each person shared their piece and their story, according to Hello Woodlands.
Lisa McKenzie, founder of You Night Empowering Events, created ScART in 2013. The program is open to anyone with scars, whether from surgery, radiation, accidents or emotional wounds.
The Institute for Reconstructive Surgery at Houston Methodist The Woodlands, led by Dr. Steven Albright and Dr. Steven Gordon, has hosted the event annually for five years. Participants are primarily women who have completed treatment, though some are still in treatment. Caregivers and spouses can also take part.
Nikki, a breast cancer survivor diagnosed at age 46 through a routine mammogram, said the physical side of treatment consumed her attention first. Over time, she recognized the emotional weight of her diagnosis was just as significant.
"Participating in ScART has given me an opportunity to look at the positive side of my experience … This experience helped me recognize the strength I had all along and the importance of accepting support from others," Nikki said.
Now in remission, Nikki said she hopes sharing her story will help others feel less alone.
Linda attended ScART for the second time. Two years earlier, she came as a caregiver supporting her sister through breast cancer. This time, she was the patient. After receiving her own diagnosis, she completed 12 weeks of chemotherapy three weeks before the Aug. 22 session, according to Woodlands Online. She still has a final reconstruction surgery ahead with Dr. Gordon.
Linda said the continuity of care she saw while supporting her sister gave her confidence entering her own treatment because she already knew and trusted her care team.
Dr. Albright, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the institute, said the program connects creativity with recovery. He noted that reconstructive surgery is a key part of many patients' breast cancer journey, and his team works alongside oncology colleagues from diagnosis through reconstruction.
In Woodlands Online's Aug. 27 coverage of the session, McKenzie said ScART brings together a community of survivors who celebrate each other's stories and learn to view their scars as symbols of strength and the body's ability to heal.
The ScART program is held once a year, typically in late August. No date has been announced for the next session.
Upcoming in The Woodlands:
- The Woodlands kicks off a five-event fall pickleball series on Saturday, Sept. 12.
