Following three bouts of breast cancer, author Perry Colmore decided to tell the stories of others who battle cancer. The work has been healing and inspiring for Perry as well as for patients, caregivers and friends of the Cancer Center at Mass General.
Perry and photographer Lisa Adelsberger collaborated on the award-winning book, Living with Breast Cancer: 39 Women and One Man Speak Candidly about Breast Cancer. In addition, they developed two exhibitions that display photographs and testimonials from the book: the Cancer Center’s Wall of Hope and a national touring exhibit managed by the American Cancer Society.
The Wall of Hope was begun and named by the Cancer Center’s Network for Patients and Families, a peer support program for patients and their loved ones. Like Living with Breast Cancer, the exhibit presents patients’ stories and portraits to offer inspiration, support and hope. Some are tales of healing; others, of coming to terms with loss. Many combine both experiences. All convey wisdom, love, courage and comfort to individuals battling this devastating disease.
