Reflections in Fiber: Fiber & Mixed Media by Julie Brabbs
- June 03, 2024
The first occurrence was in 2015. There was life before and life after cancer. The long-term side effects included chronic pain and nerve damage leaving my left leg nonfunctional – I use a mobility scooter now. I experienced a lot of grief not being able to do all the things. When the cancer came back in late 2022, I was mentally and physically exhausted. Despite incredible support from friends, family, and colleagues, it can be lonely.
Over the years I’ve embraced my curiosity for creating, learning, using my hands. A place of serenity and peace. Knitting is my comfort. It helped me through the first round of cancer in 2015, and in the following years through hospital stays. I have control of it. I love working with fibers and textiles – the endless textures and colors. I started to embroider, anything I could think of – creating designs and sewing them to life. I learned to sew. I dove straight in, giving my mind a break from heavier thoughts. I felt such a sense of accomplishment when I made my first quilt. Then wall hangings, table runners, shirts, aprons, bags and more. When I developed chronic pain that lasted for nearly 2 years, it made everything so hard. Since my recurrence in December 2022, I’ve been able to manage my pain and slowly return to creating. My disability makes it harder to sew, my neuropathy makes it harder to knit – but I’m not deterred.
I’m excited to share some of my work with you, but my house looks bare without it! I am grateful for the incredible care teams here at the Rogel Cancer Center and University Hospitals – thank you all.
– Julie Brabbs
