CANCER SUCKS

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In August 2026, our lives were rocked with a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis. Laura’s daughter’s dad, Shawn has received this diagnosis at the age of 42. He has been unable to work for a few months due to his illness, and the medical bills are starting to roll in, and we have no idea how he’s going to keep the lights on. At the end of the day, we just want to make sure our daughter is taken care of and has everything that she needs. Any donations made here, or art purchases through the shop, help our family. We could not be more grateful for your generosity.

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NOTE FROM SHAWN

I'm Shawn. I make collage, ink, and watercolor pieces, mostly by cutting things apart and reassembling them into something that doesn't quite behave.

In August 2026, I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. I'm beginning chemotherapy this month, but on the days I can be, I'm still in the studio.

This page is for the part insurance doesn't cover. If you've got something to give, it goes straight to treatment and to the cost of staying upright long enough to make the next thing.

If you'd rather end up with something on your wall than send money into the void, [the shop is here]. Buying a piece helps exactly as much as donating, and you get art out of it.

Where it goes

  • Out-of-pocket costs and deductibles

  • Travel to and from appointments

  • Weeks I can't work

  • Supplies, so the work keeps going

Once, or monthly

Monthly is the one that actually helps. Treatment isn't one bill, it's a long series of them, and knowing something steady is coming makes it possible to plan instead of scramble. Ten dollars a month is real.

If you can't give, that's genuinely fine and I completely understand

Share this page. Follow @heldtogether.art. Tell one person about the work. An audience is worth more than a donation over a long enough stretch, and it doesn't run out.

Thank you for being here.

Shawn

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Donations here are personal gifts to me, not charitable contributions, so they aren't tax deductible. I'd rather tell you that up front than have you find out in April.

  • Out-of-pocket medical costs, travel to treatment, and the months I can't work. We’ll post updates so you can see it.

  • Yes. These are the types of things we would love to have donated:

    • Supplies. Paper, watercolor, adhesive, mat board, frames, a decent scanner.

    • Services. A photographer shooting his work properly for the shop, someone handling packing and shipping, a bookkeeper, a lawyer, a web person.

    • Space and logistics. A gallery lending wall space for a benefit show, a print shop discounting a run, someone driving him to appointments.

    • Auction items. Other artists donating pieces for a benefit sale, which is how a lot of artist fundraisers actually raise real money.

  • Absolutely. Reach out to us via email at laura@laurawoodside.com.