Cancer Fighters Art, Inc. is a non-profit organization created to raise funds to benefit cancer treatment and prevention efforts worldwide, while promoting a bond among people, artwork and culture. The organization also supports cancer victims and improves their quality of life by providing fund assistance to cancer institutions.

In 2007, Cancer Fighters Art, LLC (now Cancer Fighters, Inc.) was founded by Ms. Jarunee McBride to honor Mr.Sarawut Siriwut, an artist who died at age 35 from cancer. The organization fulfilled Siriwut’s wish to gain exposure abroad for his artwork and that of others, while also fighting the disease that claimed Siriwut’s life at such a young age.

A wide range of artwork can now be purchased at exhibits around the country, as well as online at www.Cancerfightersart.org.

“The original artists were recruited by advertising through the news media in Thailand,” says McBride. “The artists who were chosen to contribute their work to this project range from young to old, from apprentice to highly proficient professionals. The quality of the art work was a major deciding factor for choosing each artist. Each gives of their great talent, but what brings them together is this heartfelt desire to help fight cancer.  And this is what we especially look for in the artists who join our project - this desire from the heart to help in the struggle against cancer that claims the lives of so many.”

All artwork, along with photos of the participating artists, can be viewed on the Cancer Fighters Art website. The youngest artist represented in the collection is 13-year-old Wanda Jaima, who is the daughter of one of the other artists.

“She has already won various art competitions in Thailand in her age category,” says McBride. “We are open for all ages of artists who wish to contribute their work and who demonstrate talent and a love for art.”

Another contributing artist, Mrs. Piyawan Kovach, is from the D.C. area. McBride met Kovach at an exhibit held in May at the Thai Royal Embassy in Washington, D.C.

“Kovac paints abstract art as well as other forms,” remarks McBride.

Though the organization features a wide range of artwork, they are currently focusing on a special project entitled, “Sawasdee: The Art and Culture of Thailand,” which promotes Thai art internationally. Proceeds of this project will benefit The National Cancer Institute in Thailand, as well as The American Cancer Society.

In August of 2008, artists who were interested in contributing to this project gathered at the Lotus Hotel Pang Suan Kaew, Chiang Mai, Thailand, to take part in a meeting with representatives of The Oncological (Cancer) Society of Thailand. The purpose of the meeting was to bring all those involved together, so they could see how their contribution to the project would benefit the needs of the Cancer Society of Thailand.

The Grand Opening of the “Sawasdee: The Art and Culture of Thailand” took place in March and April of 2009 at the 912 Frame Shop & Gallery in Lafayette, LA.

For the ribbon cutting, McBride was joined by Joey Durel (City-Parish President of Lafayette, Louisiana), D. Wayne Elmore (MELLO JOY “The Original Cajun Coffee”), Suleeporn Sangrajrang, Ph. D. (Representative of National Cancer Institute, Bangkok, Thailand), Representatives from The American Cancer Society, Lafayette, Louisiana, Roger Laurent (912 Frame Shop & Gallery’s owner) and ULL Thai Students Association.

Though all artwork for this project is donated to the organization, individual artists set their own prices, which currently range from $20.00 to $11,000.00.

“One of the major areas of public support is to attend the exhibits to enjoy the quality of artwork displayed and consider making a purchase,” says McBride. “We also very much appreciate public donations both of money and in-kind contributions, sponsors, grants and any other forms of support of our organization.”

Individuals who wish to help further the mission of Cancer Fighters Art in a non-monetary capacity may volunteer in a variety of ways.

“Volunteers are always needed to help with the exhibits. These volunteers could range from those who give their time to help set up the displays, to those who have artistic interest in historical knowledge and are able to explain to visitor the significance of the art pieces. We also appreciate finding new venues to conduct exhibits. We welcome anyone who has a heartfelt desire to help fight cancer,” explains McBride.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer or donate may contact Cancer Fighters Art, Inc. at:

P. O. Box 53212

Lafayette, LA 70505-3212

Tel./Fax: (337) 706-8332

www.cancerfightersart.org

cancerfightersart@hotmail.com

Upcoming Cancer Fighters Art events:

Friday, July 23-7 August,2010: “Sawasdee: the Art and Culture of Thailand” art exhibit at The Royal Thai Consulate General in Chicago, Illinois

Friday, August 13-3 September,2010: “Sawasdee: the Art and Culture of Thailand” art exhibit at 912 Frame Shop and Gallery in Lafayette, Louisiana

Wednesday, August 18,2010.(7.30 p.m. until closing): One-day art exhibit at The Wine Loft in Lafayette, Louisiana