Hope Through Art

Most of us know someone who has been touched by cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common form in women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The American Cancer Society says in our state nearly 600 women have been diagnosed with breast cancer so far this year.

Your News Leader first told you about Bill Brien's wife Geri two years ago when she was battling stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasis.

Bill began creating art within the walls of the hospital while she was undergoing chemo and then radiation.

A hobby that turned into a way to keep her memory alive.

Sitting and painting is how Brien spends his free time now.

It all started alongside his wife during her battle with cancer.

"She fought because our children. Because you know the love she had for me and the love I had for her. So, faith and love is what kept us going through this ordeal," said Bill

A fight that ended in May of 2018.

"I miss how honest she was," said Breanna Running Bear, Geri's daughter.

A loss that hasn't gotten easier to talk about.

Faith and art has been an outlet for the family.

"Amazed at him because the way that he can express the way that he feels still. He's so brave just like my mom was," said Running Bear.

It started with shirts, but in October of last year, Bill began selling and donating most of the proceeds to the Bismarck Cancer Center.

"The Bismarck Cancer Center... they help with gas, food and lodging. Every cent I give to them they put it back out there and that's what really intrigued me to do that for them," said Running Bear.

He has already donated more than 4-thousand dollars to the center from proceeds made off of his canvases

He says he wanted to do something for others who are going through the highs and lows of the cancer battle just like his family did.

You can learn more about Geri's story and see the canvases at bountifulreis.com