An Artful Life & the Cancer Relief Fund

In October of 2006, one of our chamber board members, active volunteer, and friend, was diagnosed with melanoma. Ellen Gray was only 28 years old and married two years when diagnosed. She served as co-chairman of the Main St. Festival with board member and friend, Jo Ann Sydeski. The two friends also teamed up to co-chair the Equestrian Parade and Holiday Fest. Ellen was one of the founding committee members of the North Canton Chamber Women's Division. She was a remarkable young woman with real enthusiasm and affection for her community. Ellen was voted Volunteer of the Year in 2006. Ellen's battle with melanoma rallied numerous friends, including her chamber friends. Her husband, Ryan Gray, was beside her, coaching her and loving her the entire journey, as were her parents and family.

In the midst of this heroic struggle Ellen discovered art therapy. She felt so wonderful after painting her first canvas she was inspired to put art therapy to work against cancer. Ellen and Ryan appraoched the North Canton Medical Foundation and designated the Foundation's Cancer Relief Fund the beneficiary of the proceeds from their new venture, An Artful Life, LLC. Ellen and Ryan donated money from the sale of their art therapy canvasses to the Foundation. The North Canton Chamber of Commerce honors this effort. We hope to help Ellen and Ryan's cause by publicizing this project. Ellen's ability to construct a plan and start a new business in the midst of her health crisis is part of what made her so special to us, and a beautiful example of the great potential of the human spirit. Let Ellen's effort blossom by helping the Cancer Relief Fund in our community. Please support An Artful Life by your purchase or by donation. Visit the website at:

http:// AnArtfulLifeLLC.blogspot.com

On October 5, 2007, our dear friend Ellen lost her battle with cancer. We will miss her deeply. We offer our heartfelt condolences to her family, Susie, Don and Diane, Todd, and to her husband, Ryan.

Ellen once told us during her treatment that she would like to have the opportunity to teach as many people as possible about the potenital dangers of sun exposure, tanning and other environmental triggers of cancer. Please remember those who are struggling with the devastating effects of cancer and cancer treatment by supporting Ellen's cause, the North Canton Medical Foundation Cancer Relief Fund. To learn more please call 330-433-1411. Donations may be made to the North Canton Medical Foundation Cancer Center, 2600 - 6th Street SW, Canton, Ohio, 44710. (North Canton Medical Foundation operates the Cancer Center inside Aultman Hospital.)

121 S. Main St.
N. Canton, OH 44720
P 330.499.5100
F 330.499.7181

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