Today’s blog is NOT about photography; rather, it’s about life…mine and yours, and about how we ought to be living it. It comes to you with the permission of Nick Dantona. Read on.
Many of you know Nick. That’s him in today’s image, teaching a BPG roundtable on how to develop an “artist’s statement.” And many of you know that about 5 years ago, he was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer that had metastasized to his brain. What most of you don’t know is that he was recently given the opportunity to be interviewed for a video that hopefully would help those touched in some way by cancer. The video is part of a series inspired by a 2007 song by Brad Paisley called “Letter to Me,” that depicts an “I-wish-I-knew-all-of-this-before-that- happened” sort of thing. Well, let Nick speak for himself.
”Some months ago, members of the Sarah Cannon Cancer Research Institute and Tennessee Oncology, where I continue to be treated, started an Outreach Program named Band Against Cancer…Its intention is to use the experiences of Cancer Combatants and Survivors to lessen the blow of those newly diagnosed by answering some questions. Simple questions like, “Crap! What do I do now?” or “How do I cope with this?” or “What about my family?” I was asked to be interviewed and have that video shared publicly. Naturally, I agreed. I would have given anything to have that insight at the time of my diagnosis.”
Beyond what it communicates to persons with cancer affecting their lives in some way, are insights into the art of living well.
Letter-To-Me_Nick-Dantona-on-Vimeo
