Video Clip from Courage Unmasked: Giving A Voice to The Oral Cancer Survivors (more info)
About Courage Unmasked
On September 9, 2009, the American University Museum at the Katzen Art Center hosted a totally unique fundraiser called "Courage Unmasked." More than 100 artists from all over the country created fine art by transforming radiation masks formerly worn by head and neck cancer (HNC) patients to position and immobilize their heads during treatment.
It was during one such treatment session that this idea came to a patient, also an artist, who wanted to find a way to ease the financial burden on other HNC patients who cannot afford this expensive, grueling, but necessary radiation. The artist's colleagues and doctors quickly endorsed the idea of auctioning the artworks at a gala event, and proceeds have gone into the charity fund, dedicated to "help for HNC patients"—which explains the auction's tag line: 911 4 HNC. Donating their time, talent, and caring, the 100+ artists created magnificent masterpieces, unlike any other visual art you've seen before.
"Courage Unmasked" auction directors report that over 500 gala participants launched the success of "Courage Unmasked," sponsored by the 501(c)3 National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship.
To enjoy photos of the art auction, please click here.
Silent Auction, October 10-24, 2009
Courage Unmasked II at "ArtSpring"
Pyramid Atlantic's New Community Arts Store
October 10-24
Closing Reception and Auction Results, Oct. 24, noon to 4 p.m.
8519 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Hrs: Tu, Wed, Th, 12-6; Fri, 12-8; Sat, 10-8; Sun, 1-4 (Mon, closed)
Silver Spring Metro
Click here to see the full event announcement (pdf).
Click here for a list of available pieces (pdf).
Remember, Honor, and Celebrate Lives of Loved Ones
Sadly but surely, we all know people who have valiantly battled cancer. Some have left us, while others, thank goodness, have fought and are still here, and we can celebrate their inspiring victory that strengthens our hope. If you would like to donate to Courage Unmasked in memory of, in honor of, or in celebration of the life of a loved one, please click here to make your tax-deductible donation.
- Event Chair: Cookie Kerxton
cookiekerxton@gmail.com - Co-Chair: Carol Kanga
carolkanga@gmail.com
About the Video Clip from “Courage Unmasked: Giving A Voice to The Oral Cancer Survivors”
- Producer and Director: Fulvia Musti Ciarla, professor of Italian at Georgetown University and visual artist (represented by the Studio Gallery)
- Videographer and Editor: Per Hoel, multimedia specialist at Georgetown and aspiring documentary filmmaker
- Transcribers: Raymonde van Santen & Shannelie Mendez Carlo
“The idea of creating a short documentary about head and neck cancer patients came to me when I realized the need for educating people about this particular cancer,” said Fulvia Musti Ciarla, who donated her efforts to create this film in support of the fundraising event, Courage Unmasked. The copyrighted DVD may be purchased online for $14.95 each + tax and shipping. Checks should be made out to NCCS/Courage Unmasked DVD, and mailed, with shipping information, to the following address:
NCCS/Courage Unmasked
1010 Wayne Ave. #770
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Levon Helm, Head and Neck Cancer Survivor
In 1998, renowned musician Levon Helm was diagnosed with vocal cord cancer. Happily, he won his battle and has since returned to his full-time music career. Many people best recall him as the singer and drummer for The Band. His was the voice behind such legendary songs as The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Ophelia, The Weight, and Up On Cripple Creek. Although Levon struggles with the after-effects of radiation treatments, he continues performing regularly. He won a grammy award for his album "Dirt Farmer" in 2008. And, he just produced a new CD, released in June 09. For more information about Levon, his bout with cancer, and his newly released CDs, go to www.levonhelm.com.