Help Gretchen with her Medical and Living Expenses

My name is Kelli and we're raising money to help Gretchen Lopez with her medical expenses. She was recently diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing treatments. Mimi and Lorraine have asked our artist community to help raise funds to ease some of the burden that Gretchen is experiencing. Gretchen is a dear friend and brilliant artist and exceptional instructor to so many. She has touched so many lives with her art, passion for teaching, and desire to see everyone's creativity blossom. We ask you to give what you can to help Gretchen – someone who's given so much to our artist community here in Sedona.

Here's Gretchen's story in her own words:

Gretchen’s Story-

“As an artist and teacher, I am always encouraging my students to seek and paint their passion. Art, my students, and my faith are my life, what was a great shock to me, was when it all came to a screeching halt. Life changes in a heartbeat!

I had been sick during the summer and was told by my doctor last November that my kidneys were not functioning properly. I attributed it to a virus. The stress from the year only added to my problem, but thankfully my covid test came back negative. Still, I went home. From that Wednesday night into Thursday night, the pain became worse in my kidneys. Friday night I was admitted into the Flagstaff Medical Center, after my friend got me to the ER. Saturday, I had to have a procedure done to place stents into each of my kidneys. My friend Terry was there with me in the OR. Before coming out of the anesthesia, four surgeons got together to let her know I had a serious mass that was blocking my kidneys, a life-threatening situation.

At the same time, it was good that my kidneys were a very good reason to get to the hospital, the discovery of a malignant mass changed things. It was a frightening and rough time for me and I will say that even worse, is remaining in the dark! It's the "not knowing". Biopsies were completed and the results were positive, it was a malignant tumor.

To receive a cancer diagnosis, is like receiving a death sentence. I'm not trying to be melodramatic, but plain honest. The mass was inoperable, radiation and chemotherapy was the only way to fight this. Life expectancy was one to five years.

A PET scan and tests were ordered to locate the cancer and to see how much it had spread. In a consultation with my oncologist, it was confirmed that only radiation and chemotherapy could treat this.

A time for hope!

But my doctor also confirmed that we could move forward with a cure! My cancer had not spread! The battle has just begun. Six weeks of radiation, Monday to Friday, Chemotherapy once a week, after which internal radiation treatment will follow.

Yes, a new chapter and a new journey begin. I find myself asking for help now, asking is still difficult.

Now, I am reaching out and thinking ahead to a healthy and vibrant future, to teach, help others, and to further my craft as an artist.

I have a hope for a brighter future, and with the encouragement and help of friends, my faith continues to grow stronger.

"Cancer made me......"

-made me stop and think.

-made me thankful for each day.

-made me love life even more.

-made me appreciate others more.

-made me love my Faith even more.

My sincere thanks to Lorraine, Mimi and Kelli for their inspiration and help...

I am forever grateful!

Everyday is a gift!

Blessings, Gretchen

Mimi

My relationship with Gretchen began when I meandered into the Sedona Art Center Gallery and laid eyes on a magnificent life-size portrait of a dynamic Latina Dancer with her voluminous flaming red Mexican Ribbon Dress and petticoats captured hoisted high and in full pirouette. Honestly, I was spellbound and speechless. So much so that tears overflowed. The Gallery volunteer approached and asked if she could assist. Expressing that I was dumbstruck by the beauty and vibrancy of the masterpiece, she explained that the Painter, Gretchen, was an instructor at the Sedona Art Center. In disbelief that someone of this extraordinary skill and talent would be willing to teach beginners I promptly signed up for classes. That is how I came to personally know, befriend, and love this quiet, humble, generous, amazingly gifted artist and dedicated painter/teacher that is Gretchen.

Gretchen needs our help with financial assistance. Gretchen does not want to be a burden to anyone, preferring to put on a brave face and remain independent. Asking for help is challenging and difficult for her. Gretchen is abundantly giving of herself and her talents to help others. Now it is our turn, as her circle of fellow artists, students, fans, and friends to return her generosity during her critical time of need and uncertainty.

It would be wonderful if we, her community, could allow Gretchen the time and space that she requires at this crucial time to rest and heal fully without the added unease and hardship of financial worries and concerns. Together this is something we can all do to support, encourage, and lighten Gretchen's load. God bless.

Lorraine

In 2014 I met Gretchen Lopez who is my dear beloved friend and art teacher. I have come to appreciate how much she gives to people through her care of each individual friend and student. She has become like a "sister in Christ" to me and my husband Rich. We treasure the time we can all spend together. We are asking for help to give back to her while she faces this health crisis. Her favorite saying is "Bless your heart." Now we can help "Bless HER heart." Thank you to all who have a heart to help Gretchen!