Patient uses artwork to inspire fight against cancer

Dayana Al Shaikh, the Bahraini creative cancer patient, is to use again her skills in painting and taking pictures, to show the local and international communities that there are different ways to cope with life’s humps and bumps.

“I am planning to draw some artworks using acrylic paints to share messages of hope,” she said. “I will use also some verses from the Holy Quran which is full of grandiose messages to give faith and hope to patients and their relatives, friends and supporters,” Dayana said as she joined the global observance of World Cancer Day, held this year under the tagline “We can. I can.”

The international community marks World Cancer Day on February 4 in a hopeful bid to raise awareness about cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.

For years, Dayana has refused to let cancer defeat her dreams or to dampen her ambitions, fighting it and inspiring others to fight in several ways.

The artist who uses her gift in taking pictures to add messages of hope and send them to a limited circle of friends now wants to hold a public exhibition and each of the artworks will have its own message to share with the local and international communities.

“We need to move beyond stories and engage more vivaciously and more positively in promoting hope and joy for the patients and their families and friends,” the mother of two said. “We need to keep looking forward and to believe strongly in miracles. Our energy should be used to promote our hope and our optimism, not to augment our fears or concerns,” she said.

Dayana, in October held a charity exhibition that raised funds for Child’s Wish Society, a Bahraini charity that grants wishes to children suffering from illnesses.

“Letters of Hope” was a collection of Arabic calligraphy paintings that combined Dayana’s own experience in drawing with her unshakable faith and immovable hope to fight breast cancer.

The 42 paintings were sold within hours of the opening of the exhibition.

“It was a momentous occasion for me, but, more importantly for the young hearts and minds who need every cheer and every support we can provide. The exhibition showed me again that our world is beautiful thanks to the commitment and devotion of those who people it, and that it is also amazing thanks to their care and compassion,” she said.

Some of the artworks of "Letters of Hope" exhibition were used in the 2016 calendar printed by the Child Wish Society. The proceeds from the sale of the calendars will be used to help and buy things for children suffering of cancer.

“I truly applaud the great efforts exerted by the society for the sake of these young hearts and minds,” Dayana said. “Theirs is a story of unparalleled courage and immense hope. Their unwavering optimism is an inspiration to everyone around them. We all offer very special thanks to the society and to all the wonderful friends and compassionate people for their unconditional support to cancer patients,” she said.

In her photos posted in her Instagram account where she has close to 14,000 followers, Dayana highlights the beauty of natural landscapes and sites and shares messages of resolute hope and unwavering fortitude.

Her natural landscape pictures and her messages about never losing hope and keeping the faith are often praised by her followers.

“The way she takes her pictures gives them a magical dimension that enchants you immediately,” one follower said. “You may have seen the place dozens of times, but when you see it in her picture, you have the impression you are looking at something new, something magical that makes you keep you staring and wondering how you had never noticed how beautiful it really is. The place suddenly oozes peace and serenity and you find yourself strongly attached to it and happily relaxed.”