Inspired by the courageous spirit of Hildegarde Gildenhuys, a breast cancer warrior battling against all odds, Jana Aspeling has created a masterpiece that celebrates life and resilience as well as speaks to the strength that can emerge from even the darkest of times.
Johannesburg, South Africa (25 October 2024) – Johannesburg floral artist Jana Aspeling has used her brushstrokes and bold colours to help support breast cancer warrior Hildegarde Gildenhuys, who has to date fought through great pain, trauma and many hurdles.
Jana has fully immersed herself in the Restore Hildegarde crowd-funding campaign on Backabuddy along with Zetske van Pletzen and Mandi Baard. Together, they are helping raise funds for Hildegarde, a young woman who was misdiagnosed for three years despite having a growing lump on her breast, which eventually proved to be breast cancer.
Unfortunately, after a full mastectomy and additional removal of lymph ducts under her right arm in 2023, Hildegarde’s cancer metastasized into her neck. She is currently bedridden and unemployed and has a seven-year-old daughter.
Although mentally strong and hopeful, her body is weak and tired. The funds raised will go a long way in helping Hildegarde, who is currently being cared for by her parents, to receive proper care.
Inspired by the fighter that lives within Hildegarde and her heartwrenching story, Jana created a bright, uplifting, and colourful artwork titled She is Brave, which will be given away at the end of this month to one lucky person who has contributed to the Restore Hildegarde campaign.
“The painting, She is Brave, was a labour of love—created over seven days, working 10 hours each day. I designed it to uplift, using bright neon colours to amplify the traditional pink for breast cancer awareness,” Jana tells Good Things Guy.
The visual artist incorporated images of flowers, especially peonies, to symbolise the different stages of womanhood—ranging from fully bloomed flowers to closed buds—representing various ages and stages in the blooming process of a woman’s life.
“The painting also includes biblical symbols, like the sparrow, to add depth and hope to the message.
“We’re trying to break the negative associations with breast cancer and create positive visuals that uplift and inspire those affected,” Jana explains.
Jana has also been involved in other breast cancer awareness initiatives such as Check Know Prevent through the Breast Cancer Association’s Punch for Pink, where the aim was to promote breast cancer awareness among young females.
Through involvement in such projects, Jana hopes to use her art to help rebrand breast cancer awareness as something that is hopeful, colourful, and inspiring.
“The goal is to encourage young women not only to prioritise their health through self-examination but also to spread the message of early detection to others.”
Having had a mother beat breast cancer, Jana feels especially passionate about spreading the word.
“Now that I have my own six-year-old daughter, I believe more than ever that knowledge is power when it comes to health and healthcare.
“With one in eight women being diagnosed with breast cancer yearly, it’s crucial that we take action now,” she says.
To donate to the Restore Hildegarde BackaBuddy campaign, visit https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/restore-hildegarde
by 