Greenfield Public Library programs highlight Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Malaika Ross

Malaika Ross CONTRIBUTED

By ADA DENENFELD KELLY

For the Recorder

Published: 10-14-2024 10:25 AM

GREENFIELD — In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Greenfield Public Library is holding a series of special programs to raise awareness and foster community among those battling breast cancer.

The project is over a year in the making. Last September, staff at the library had the idea of doing something in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and teen librarian Francesca Passiglia, a breast cancer survivor, decided to take on the effort. Busy with the library’s move, Passiglia decided to wait until this year so that she could have time to create something thoughtful. 

“Franklin County does not offer a lot for breast cancer survivors, or other cancer groups,” Passiglia said. “It felt really good to put all the programs together and get a lot of good feedback. It’s one of those ways that libraries can help people.”

The special programming includes an exhibit from the Greenfield-based artist Malaika Ross. Her painting series “The Visibility Project,” is on display in the Conference Room for the month, and she will be holding an art workshop for those affected by cancer on Oct. 16, from 3 to 7 p.m. Additionally, the library will be holding an artist’s reception on Oct. 25 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Ross explained that after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in April of 2023, she figured she would be able to have surgery and return to painting within a month. Instead, it took her a year to return to painting, and, upon returning, she found her work had changed. 

“My work has transformed,” Ross said. “When I made about two of those paintings that were about my cancer experience, and saw how different they were from my previous work, I realized that I had a project that I wanted to work on.”

From there, “The Visibility Project” was born. Ross describes the series as “semi-autobiographical,” incorporating pieces of her cancer journey, as well as those of other Black women. She said she wanted to explore both the physical and emotional effects of surgery.

“For me, it was a mastectomy on my right side,” Ross said. “[I am interested in] how that changes you, and how you move through the world differently, and how being someone with one breast is different than being someone with two breasts.”

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Ross added that she was motivated to hold an art-making workshop for those affected by cancer, either as patients or caregivers, because of an absence of art-based supports she had noticed while battling the disease. She explained that despite having plenty of opportunities to discuss her emotions with care providers and others battling cancer, she wished for a space to use art as an emotional outlet in community. Now recovered, Ross is hopeful that her workshop will provide this for others. 

“If I had that need, then other people have that need,” Ross said. “Patients … can come make art, and my role in that is not to lead a workshop, or tell them what colors to use … [Rather], they can come in, grab the supplies they want, and have full control over what they make. Because I think control is definitely one of the things you can feel like you lose in this experience.”

Everything you want to know about breast cancer

Last week, the library held a panel where participants could come with questions about breast cancer and receive expert answers. 

Cancer Connection Director Chelsea Kline and Paradise City Dragon Boat Coach Rachel Levey spoke about the emotional needs of those fighting cancer, and breast surgeon Jesse Casaubon and certified lymphedema therapist Lisa McCutcheon provided clarity on the physical aspects of the disease and treatment processes. Additionally, panelists left space for audience members to provide answers for one another. 

Levey, a breast cancer survivor, shared personal experiences with audience members, and spoke about the experience of finding dragon boat racing in her recovery. After falling in love with the sport years ago, Levey is now one of three coaches for the western Massachusetts team. 

“People find healing through what we do on our team,” Levey said. “That can be healing from cancer, or healing from the world we’re in.”

When an audience member asked about how to best support loved ones with cancer, Levey suggested to “engage with people, not as sick people, but as humans,” and to offer to clean their homes. 

Other questions included deciding whether or not to remove breast implants inserted after a mastectomy and first steps to make after receiving a diagnosis. (Advice included speaking to other breast cancer survivors about their experiences and reaching out to Cancer Connection to find emotional support.)  

Audience members expressed gratitude for the supportive environment and helpful information provided by both the panelist and fellow attendees.

Those interested in attending the workshop with Ross are encouraged (but not required) to pre-register at  https://forms.gle/ALPKHsYiuuAPX9cCA.