Local Artist Shares Her Survivor’s Story

“Breast cancer did not only strike me,” wrote Norcross resident Susie Schklar. “It struck my husband, children, friends and family.” 

October is the 25th National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with pink popping up seemingly everywhere, from high school football games to the White House, lit up with pink lights. As a local survivor, Schklar hopes her story can help others get through it. 

Schklar, a collage artist and painter who recently showed at the , was diagnosed with her first tumor in 1984, with surgery and treatment following. In 1986, another cancerous tumor had grown on her rib—“so back to treatment and chaos,” she said. In 1990, a third tumor finally ended the exhausting battle.

Schklar said she got through the ordeal with the strength of her husband—and with humility, faith and her artwork.

“My husband (Norman) was a rock. In spite of his fears and responsibilities, he was always positive and connected,” said Schklar. “My only advice is to ‘let go,’” she said. “Don’t hide your fear and pain if there are others who want to help you.” 

Schklar and her husband joined a Compassionate Friends group—and she said it did help her to hear others’ stories. “Talk to some who is a survivor,” Schklar said. “Feel what you feel and don’t be afraid to show emotions.” She thinks we should count ourselves lucky to born in a generation that is more comfortable talking about emotions than the one before it.  

And, of course, laughter is always a medicine. “I laugh because if I don’t, I would love my mind,” she said.

Schklar said she has been painting and drawing just about all of her life. Art did help her get through the ordeal—but she wasn’t expressing dark thoughts or feelings. “I don’t do dark art—it is just not in me,” said, mentioning that the just the process that was a catharsis. “It is important to have something you are passionate about.”

She’ll be the first to admit that she’s tired of pink—and understandably. “Maybe you want to give a gift to someone who has been diagnosed or is in treatment. May I suggest you wrap it in neon green, hot orange or passion purple? Pink is a great branding color but I must admit… I do get tired of it,” she said—still keeping her good humor.