A woman with terminal cancer will be auctioning pieces of her precious remaining time to strangers, as part of a living artwork at Carriageworks in Sydney.
The artwork, titled ‘Time to Live’, invites members of the public to engage in one-on-one interactions with Emily, a 31-year-old from Victoria diagnosed with NUT Carcinoma, a rare, aggressive cancer with an average prognosis of just six to nine months. As visitors spend time with Emily, an imposing projection of a timer counts down from three minutes. This profound and fleeting encounter offers a unique opportunity to grasp the emotional and psychological weight of living with, or being connected to someone with a terminal diagnosis.
The exhibition is a bold initiative by Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF), who this year celebrates its milestone 40th anniversary of funding innovative cancer research. As a leading cause of death in Australia, cancer claims 135 lives and causes 444 new diagnoses daily. This campaign underscores ACRF’s mission to support scientific research across all types of cancers, including rare cancers, ensuring that the most promising research across Australia receives the necessary funding.
Carly Du Toit, GM Fundraising and Marketing at ACRF, says, “For 40 years, the ACRF has been funding only the most bold and innovative scientific research. That which has the ability to change the meaning of cancer diagnoses for future generations. But there’s still a long way to go. We hope this idea helps highlight the continued need for backing brilliant research that could give those impacted by cancer, like Emily and her loved ones, the gift of the most precious thing we desire – more time.”
While access to innovative treatments has given Emily three unexpected years of life, the cancer has metastasised to her brain, with doctors not knowing how long she has left. Emily believes she is the longest known survivor of anyone who has undertaken her specific treatment.
Says Emily, “I live every day with the knowledge that I won’t ever be in remission, cured or cancer free. At present, I have no known treatment options remaining if and when my current treatment becomes ineffective. I hope this exhibit reminds us all of the preciousness of time, while highlighting the importance of supporting research that could give more time for others with aggressive cancer diagnoses.”
ACRF’s ‘Time to Live’ exhibit details:● Location: Carriageworks, Wilson Street, Everleigh● Date: Saturday 17 August 2024● Further details: Click here to learn more and submit your application to be a visitor in theexhibit
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