“These workshops continue to be a joy and something I look forward to. It is always helpful in reminding me that I’m not alone in my cancer/survivorship journey and it cultivates such an amazing community,” shared a Tough Friends Art Club attendee after a May workshop.
Tough Friends Art Club is a one-of-a-kind program in the cancer world. Young adults touched by cancer already navigate unique challenges, and often feel isolated because of them. This program was created to help these young adults build community, share laughter, and find a creative outlet.
Since its launch in April 2022, Tough Friends Art Club has had 26 workshops, 1,070+ program visits, and engaged more than 350 unique attendees from at least 40 states (plus Canada). Its workshops now fill up within hours of registration opening.
But this popular program began simply: As a shared idea between a couple of friends passionate about supporting young adults touched by cancer.
Creativity: tool for rediscovery
Chelsey Gomez, owner of the cancer awareness brand “Ohyouresotough,” and Marc Korobkin, Gilda’s Club Madison’s AYA Coordinator and Outreach Assistant, met during the pandemic and bonded over their shared experiences as young adults impacted by cancer. They also bonded over a shared vision: Finding a creative way to reach the young adult cancer community.
“I’m big on how creativity has helped me rediscover myself after cancer. I wanted to bring that to others,” explains Chelsey. Knowing their target audience was geographically scattered, they decided to launch a virtual program: Tough Friends Art Club.
They quickly brought in another friend, Meghan Lamb from Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee. The events are now presented by both Gilda’s Club Madison and Gilda’s Club Middle Tennesee, and hosted by the three friends.
“It’s just something extra we can do.”
What began as an experiment in 2022 has blossomed into six sessions already this year, each reaching over 50 young adults. Over the past two years, the generosity of donors has also made it possible to send supplies for most of the workshops. More than 319 art kits have been mailed so far this year.
These kits include the essential supplies that attendees need to create their art. For example, a Halloween-themed kit included thrifted paintings, paints and brushes used to create “Upcycled Spook – Ghostly paintings on vintage ephemera.” Another kit included supplies to make faux stained glass, including special paints, plastic surfaces, and patterns. Each workshop also includes plenty of special prizes, something attendees seem to particularly enjoy.
“People have been through so much, and cancer is so expensive,” explains Chelsey. “It’s just something extra we can do.”
An inclusive club
It is important to the three hosts that the projects are accessible to all skill levels. Being virtual, attendees can join from anywhere. Several young adults have even joined from their hospital rooms.
One attendee recently shared, “I like being with other young adults with cancer and trying something new. I am not the best artist but appreciate how inclusive the art club is for everyone…Being a young adult with cancer has been kind of isolating and this club makes me feel like I’m not alone.”
Part of what makes Tough Friends Art Club a success is that it is rooted in genuine friendship. “All three of us are friends outside of this. All three of us are cancer survivors and artists. We have the heart and soul behind this program,” explains Chelsey.
In fact, Marc is so passionate about the program that he held a personal fundraiser last year in memory of his late brother, Bryan. Bryan was also a Gilda’s Club member. “Gilda’s Club Madison was a very special place for Bryan during his cancer experience. Gilda’s Club exists so that no one faces cancer alone, and it was at Gilda’s Club that Bryan found a safe place of healing and community,” shares Marc. Bryan understood the profound importance of community for young adults facing cancer, and he would have loved this special program.
“I needed this tonight more than I can express.”
Marc shares that one of the values of this virtual program is that it is able to reach young adults who may not live near a Gilda’s Club or Cancer Support Community. “This might be the first experience they have with the organization,” he explains. Some attendees even invite their other “cancer friends” to subsequent sessions. Demand for the program continues to grow as more and more young adults discover its power.
One attendee recently shared, “I don’t have any “cancer friends” in real life, and this event allows me to spend time with people who understand where I’m at, and the challenges that come along with survivorship. In all other aspects of my life, I feel pressure to be done with and move on from cancer since I’m not in active treatment anymore, but as those in the group understand, it’s never really over or done.”
Another shared, “I have recently been feeling incredibly lonely and isolated. I needed this tonight more than I can express.”
A huge thank you to everyone who has generously supported Tough Friends Art Club, especially the I’m Not Done Yet Foundation. We also extend our gratitude to all of our donors who allow us to use your gifts wherever they are needed most. You allow us to be flexible, nimble, and creative, enabling the creation and expansion of programs like Tough Friends Art Club!
Additional Participant Quotes
“As usual, this event was perfect. Always a wonderful mix of laughter, good music, creativity and positivity. I was having a really crappy week getting negative news from scans and this workshop gave me a reprieve and joy and I’m always forever grateful for those moments.”
“This event is impactful — it’s 2 hours away from the stress of life and the painful parts of cancer / survivorship — rather than focusing on the hard parts of the cancer experience, this event brings us together for some time that is peaceful, fun, and creative.”
“Events like these are desperately needed in the young adult cancer community. I wish I had known about these during treatment, but being able to participate as a survivor makes me feel seen and understood. As someone who doesn’t have much experience with art, TFAC has helped me to experience art and the many therapeutic benefits it has. This workshop series is a godsend and I hope that it receives more funding so that it can reach an even wider audience.”
“TFAC always makes me feel less alone and never fails to put me in a good mood. It’s so special to be able to bond with other young adult cancer patients and survivors who get it. The team has created a warm, welcoming environment across the screen and I love not having to leave the house to get that sense of connection.”
“It’s inspiring to see how creativity can be a powerful outlet for healing and self-expression during such a challenging time. I love how it provides a supportive space for individuals to connect, express their experiences, and discover new ways to cope through art. Truly a beautiful way to foster strength and resilience.”
I’m an artistic person, but not in a crafty, hands-on sense. So I was always skeptical about joining. But it’s the most welcoming group of people with this calm sense of community, and there is so much freedom to participate at your own pace and in whatever way feels comfortable. This is extra important for helping AYA patients and survivors, and is such a meaningful opportunity to connect with others and feel less alone.