Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsey Gomez.
Hi Chelsey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
In 2018 I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I completed 12 rounds of chemotherapy but unfortunately in October of the following year, my cancer came back. I underwent a stem cell transplant in the middle of the Florida lockdown in April 2020. I have been lucky enough to remain in remission because of my transplant. Being a young adult cancer patient, many of the ideals of a “brave” and “strong” cancer patient just didn’t resonate with me. There are so many unique challenges to having cancer at this age and so many ways to cope with it. I began to draw as a way to process all I had been through. This creative outlet led me to make non-traditional cancer products. I opened my Etsy shop “Ohyouresotough” at the end of 2020 with the goal of making people smile. The vast majority of my items have a humorous spin because I think keeping a sense of humor in dark times is important. I also run an online community of the same name for cancer patients on Instagram. I have also published several children’s books as well as a few coloring books.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
When I first began creating these designs, I was at home during quarantine with my 4-year-old full-time. I was also recovering from my transplant and very physically weak. It definitely wasn’t easy to find time to pursue my ideas. However, sharing my artwork on Instagram and building a community – pushed me to keep going. The feedback and support I got from fellow young adults with cancer were invaluable.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The large majority of my shop is paper products (stickers and cards). I started out making all sorts of things, but have really honed in on those two products. What sets my work apart is the humor and my authentic raw perspective on cancer. I also use my art as a way to advocate for the cancer community as a whole. One of the things I am most proud of is that two of my children’s books about cancer are given out for free through a charity. Any parent who is coping with a cancer diagnosis can simply go on their website and order a copy of my books for free (among other amazing books).
How do you define success?
I feel successful each time a fellow cancer patient tells me that my art made them feel less alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ohyouresotough.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohyouresotough/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ohyouresotough
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4iCLeN76hGZn0BCKqypQ0w
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Chelsey-Gomez/e/B09S8ZQ6HJ
