Becoming Wonder Woman Katy
|
Summer 2009, just three months before Katy's breast cancer diagnosis, Katy's sons loved playing superheroes: Louis the Amazing Amphibian (6 years old) and Maxwell the Flyin' Lion (3 years old).
The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis honored Louis and Maxwell in 2011, naming them Young Heroes, recognizing how they faced their mama's breast cancer with the courage only a true-to-life hero has. |
I have fought the battle of my life and won. Finishing the fight with children who stayed optimistic gave me the courage to have confidence in being victorious.
When Barbara Porwit told me about her idea for painting breast cancer survivors as superheroes I had an Aha moment. After surgeries and treatments, I felt like a superhero and I knew Barbara would bring her out onto canvas beautifully. During the process, I enjoyed talking with Barbara as she respectfully made suggestions to make adjustments to our original plan. She altered my conservative costume to have an embellished golden eagle on the breast, more reflective to the Lynda Carter Wonder Woman, whom I admire. Barbara changed my black boots into red and white kickin’ ass boots and adorned my crown with the breast cancer awareness pink ribbon, a silent statement saying a cure for breast cancer needs to be found.
My personal story is very similar to others’ cancer journeys - basically, it’s just plain awful. I trust the seven-foot tall painting by Barbara Porwit tells her own story, one that’s very relatable to anyone going through a struggle. I believe the portrait of Wonder Woman Katy has magic powers - she conjures strength in those who’ve lost theirs. Her alluring stare tells the viewer “You got this” and encourages people to keep up the fight.