Let me begin with a little back story. I got my first multiple piece orders two days ago. Not surprising, I know; that is part of the reason we do this, right? ...to produce work?
What surprised me was how I generated this order. On Monday, I joined a Facebook group called Mildly Offensive Artists Market. The group was created as a place for crafters to share their mildly offensive work. I shared my Fuck Cancer mug.
I explained I would make the mug for free, but the person asking for the mug had to pay shipping and handling. I went on to share the premise of the Fuck Cancer Mug - that the recipient would use this mug while they were going through cancer treatment. When he/she received the "all clear" from the physician, I wanted a photo or video of him/her breaking the mug.
Within a few hours of my posting I had been contacted by three different women wanting mugs. I didn't even have any mugs made! I hurried home, and began production so I can get these babies fired and to their new homes as quickly as possible.
The Fuck Cancer campaign began germinating several years ago when a very dear friend fought long and hard to have a pre-cancerous mass removed from his intestines. The doctors felt the mass was pre-cancerous, but the medical tests were not supporting that diagnosis...so the insurance companies resisted. He persisted, and had the surgery. While he was recovering he began a "Coffee for Bernie" campaign on his facebook page. While he, an avid coffee drinker, could not drink coffee, he asked his friends to post photos of their coffee onto his page as a sign of support. As part of that campaign, I made him a cup and shipped it to him. It was my little way of sharing the love, and showing my support.
This past year, a friend I have known since childhood, was told her cancer had returned, and the diagnosis was not good. Her mood, in the midst of radical chemo and radiation treatments, as you can imagine, was low. I wanted to help, but felt unable to do so. As I re-read her note to me, and her circumstances weighed on my mind, I thought, FUCK CANCER. Wanting to be an agent of positive support, I once again stepped into action, put my creativity to work, and the Fuck Cancer campaign was born.
Now, I'm making it my mission to get as many Fuck Cancer mugs out into the world as I can. I want to put out the message that these men and women are stronger than the disease - they are conquerors. Cancer may take many things from those who fight it, but they are true warriors, and this will be their victory dance. I can't wait until those victory videos and photos start rolling in.
If you would like a Fuck Cancer mug, the rules are simple: go up to the Contact Me button at the top of the screen and let me know. I'll make a Fuck Cancer mug and mail it to either you, or the recipient. When the "all clear" has been received, send me a video or photo of the joyous moment of victory. The mug is free, all you pay is shipping and handling. Donations to differ production costs, are, however, very much appreciated.
Together we can break the progression - one mug at a time.