Twist Out Cancer is an international nonprofit providing emotional support to anyone touched by cancer through free and public creative arts programming. Twist Out Cancer (TOC) offers the platform, tools and community - both online and offline – for anyone touched by cancer to feel supported by an empathic community, and for many to act. Since 2011, the organization has touched the lives of more than 246,000 individuals. We strive to deliver meaningful improvements to quality of life for patients and their families. It is our hope that you will consider TOC a resource and partner as you grow patient advocacy and engagement programs.

Our signature program, Brushes with Cancer (BWC), creates unexpected intersections between talented artists and those touched by cancer. The intention is to create a unique system of support for both the artist and individual, which centers on the healing of the person and results in dialogue and education for the community at large. Through an application process, up to 30 artists are matched with inspirations and mentored over 5 months. The pairs collaborate to share stories of grief, hope and humanity. The artist is charged with creating a work of art reflective of the individual’s cancer journey as it unfolds. The program concludes with an art exhibit and celebratory event for the participants, their families, and the community. We have hosted art exhibits in Ann Arbor, Austin, Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, Montreal, Toronto, and Tel Aviv.

The 2023 Brushes with Cancer Art Exhibition and Celebration will commence Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 at Zhou B Art Center in Chicago.  The evening of music, dinner, art and storytelling will honor the 76 artists and inspirations participating in the program. The event will open with a participant reception at 6:00 PM. We will welcome 400 esteemed guests at 7:00 PM. Guests will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with the artists and survivors that inspired their unique pieces of art.