By Staff
Staff Reports, Hartselle Enquirer
When doctors discovered that John Magnan's wife, Mary, had ovarian cancer, he dealt with the frightening diagnosis, surgery and treatment the best way he knew how: by creating art.
Magnan's cancer-inspired sculptures tell the story of Mary's struggle with the disease in both serious and light-hearted pieces that become, in the artist's words, "a narration of a survivor's transition . . . to a new life journey."
Decatur General Hospital, in cooperation with the Brooke Hill Foundation, is pleased to welcome Magnan's exhibit, "body image | body essence," to the Carnegie Visual Arts Center in Decatur Aug. 11-Sept. 10.
The exhibit, which was featured on CBS News' "Sunday Morning," and can be viewed at www.bodyimage-bodyessence.com, has been presented across the country, but this will be its first stop in Alabama.
"A woman's first line of defense against ovarian cancer is her own awareness of the symptoms," Magnan said in his artist statement for the exhibit. "body image | body essence" seeks to call attention to ovarian cancer, raise awareness of its symptoms, and promote earlier detection."
There is no early indicator for ovarian cancer. Often the symptoms are attributed to more common causes until the disease has reached an advanced state. Knowledge of the symptoms is the only way women can increase their chances of early detection.
Several seminars and events are planned throughout the month, including a Run for Awareness on Saturday, Aug. 27.
The Carnegie Visual Arts Center is located at 207 Church Street NE in Decatur, next to First Baptist Church. The center is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday.