Mark Hicks

Mark is a retired freelance artist and illustrator who has created hundreds of works of art for books, magazines, greeting cards, websites and countless other publications over a long career. After retiring, he hoped to just live a simple life, maybe do volunteer work with his wife at some National Parks and continue to paint, sculpt, and do other creative works – but this time just for art’s sake. However, his wife received a BRCA2-associated cancer diagnosis that shattered that dream. Mark became his late wife’s caregiver as she struggled with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer and all the horrible side effects that come with treatment. In turn, he became a hereditary cancer awareness and prevention advocate. And since his daughter also carries the same germline BRCA2 mutation, he said that his advocacy means even more.

Cancer and the Butterfly Effect

February 03, 2023

Article

Reflecting on World Cancer Day got me thinking about butterflies, a symbol of hope, but, according to the “Butterfly Effect” theory, a small flap of their wings could have major impacts on the world, which is not very different from cancer.

A Small, Inspiring Bushy-Tailed Visitor as a Distraction From Cancer

January 24, 2023

Article

When my wife was going through cancer treatments, she sometimes would color my artwork as a distraction. Here’s an activity I made for other survivors, now that it’s the year of the rabbit.

A Holiday Offering for Those Affected by Cancer

December 20, 2022

Article

As I work on a holiday drawing, the coyotes are howling outside, while inside, my cat and I are reminded of my wife who died of breast cancer.

Cancer Education and Kindness

December 01, 2022

Article

Educating people about cancer can not only be life-saving, but is also a kind thing to do. I was reminded of this by a post from a children’s author who died of cancer.

An Owl Drawing Demonstration and an Ask for Some Wise Input from the Cancer Community

November 15, 2022

Article

Being a creative, I learned to solve many of the problems that life threw my way. But being artistically gifted was worthless for dealing with the stark realities of my wife’s cancer.

Take a Break from the Darkness of Cancer and Draw a Halloween Monster

October 31, 2022

Article

I know that cancer is not lighthearted but wanted to offer a fun Halloween drawing activity for those affected by the disease.

Thoughts on Breast Cancer Awareness Month: the Disease Is No ‘Stroll Through the Park’

October 24, 2022

Article

Truly raising awareness for breast cancer — or any other disease — can’t be done with walks and colorful ribbons, but through seeing the people who are affected by the illness.

How to Use Drawing as a ‘Creative Break’ From Cancer

October 12, 2022

Article

A professional illustrator and former cancer caregiver uses a detailed step-by-step approach using simple shapes such as circles and rectangles to demonstrate how others can easily draw a lion.

Hereditary Cancer Demands a New Medical Discipline

September 27, 2022

Article

I'm suggesting a new medical discipline called "previvology" that is dedicated to the detection of genetic mutations and the prevention or early detection of cancers that are associated with them.

Finding the Courage to Look at Family Cancer History

September 12, 2022

Article

As National Previvor Day approaches, I’m getting back on my soapbox to discuss genetic testing and family histories of cancer. After all, these discussions could save lives.

Create a Cancer-Fighting Superhero

August 25, 2022

Article

Here's a step-by-step guide on how I drew the superhero that I wish existed to fight my wife's cancer.

Cancer, Bears and Fierce Compassion

August 12, 2022

Article

Gender be damned, a mother bear’s “fierce compassion” became my default mode as I cared for my ailing adventure partner and soul mate.

Drawing Was a ‘Creative Reprieve’ During My Wife’s Cancer

July 27, 2022

Article

Drawing helped me stay grounded while my wife was going through cancer treatment.

Was I a Good Enough Cancer Caregiver?

July 16, 2022

Article

As I enter my second year of grief and the shock and fog of the traumatic loss of my wife to cancer has waned a bit, sometimes I see things a little clearer. And one thing I do know, there was something that I did get right.

Standing on My Hereditary Cancer Awareness and Prevention Soapbox

June 28, 2022

Article

When participating in FORCE’s Virtual Advocacy Day, it was difficult for me not to go off-script, as anger welled up inside me.

This Father’s Day, I’m Celebrating Cancer Previvorship, Too

June 17, 2022

Article

My daughter is a cancer “previvor” because she inherited a cancer gene from her mother, so this Father’s Day, I’m celebrating her, too.

Patient Advocates Represent a Much-Needed Lifeline for People Who are Dealing with Cancer

June 06, 2022

Article

Having someone beside you to accompany you during doctor's visits to take notes or having someone to help you find the right specialist or even to just help research what treatment options are available can be incredibly helpful.

Cancer Centers Need a Room for Rage

May 19, 2022

Article

Anger is a reaction to injustice, which cancer certainly is. Sometimes I wished there was a place in the cancer treatment centers to let that rage out.

For Mother’s Day, I’m Hoping to Help Prevent Hereditary Cancer

May 06, 2022

Article

With Mother’s Day upon us, I’m advocating for better genetic cancer screening so that no more children are motherless on this day.

Hoping For a Miracle: Mental Health Care Should Be Standard Treatment for All Cancers

April 18, 2022

Article

A trauma therapist who specializes in cancer would have been helpful for my wife and I as we navigated her cancer experience, but the option was never discussed at our health care visits.

Navigating Cancer Test Results Is Challenging for Patients and Their Caregivers

April 10, 2022

Article

When my late wife was diagnosed with BRCA2-related triple-negative breast cancer, I realized how important medical literacy is for patients and their loved ones.