Cancer Survivor’s Paintings Compiled In 2006 Calendar
When Amy Lazzari picked up a paintbrush after battling breast cancer, she wanted to more than just paint. She wanted to lift hearts.
"When I paint I feel like I''m touching a spiritual side of life, and I needed that and I want to share it with others," says Lazzari of Pacific, MO.
Her use of art in the healing process has culminated in a compilation of her paintings into a 2006 calendar called "The Heart''s Intention." Proceeds from the calendar''s sales will raise funds for the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine.
Working from photographs of flowers, Lazzari used watercolors to help her find balance in recovering from cancer.
In June 2003, Lazzari found a lump in her right breast after a routine breast self-exam. After visiting with her Ob/Gyn, she was sent to the Siteman Cancer Center and oncologist Kathy Weilbaecher, MD. Lazzari would undergo surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
"My treatment was so well coordinated, from Dr. (Rebecca) Aft to Dr. Weilbaecher to Dr. (Imran) Zoberi to all the nurses, I just didn''t have to worry," says Lazzari. "They were all so wonderful to me."
Seeking balance in her life, she combined her love of art with yoga. "I started to get in touch with myself so I picked up my paintbrushes again," she says.
With positive reviews from friends and co-workers, she thought about creating a calendar of the paintings to help others heal. She showed her portfolio to Dr. Weilbaecher, who got the ball rolling to put the calendar together.
"When she came into clinic with her portfolio, my nurse and I were so blown away," says Dr. Weilbaecher. "She''s a professional engineer (at SBC) working very hard and battling breast cancer let her find her artistic side.
"She is just such an inspiration."
The calendar is $15 at the Barnard Health and Cancer Information Center on the first floor of the Center for Advanced Medicine at the corner of Euclid and Forest Park or available by phone at 314-362-7844. Lazzari''s artwork can be viewed at her website, www.amelialazzari.com.