Chronicling the journeys of cancer survivors, friends and family has been an emotional process, one filled with joy and shared sorrow for Bethlehem artist and cancer survivor Susan H. Schaffer.

As part of her “Visions Of Hope” series of acrylic paintings, Schaffer offers insight into the windows of the soul. Her exhibit captures the eyes of the people willing to share their respective cancer journeys with her.

“Visions Of Hope,” free and open to the public, continues through Nov. 30, St. Luke’s Cancer Center - Anderson Campus, 1872 St. Luke’s Boulevard, Bethlehem Township.

“Each one of the participants spoke from the depths of their souls and spoke volumes of their extraordinary journey,” Schaffer said.

Her inspiration to paint comes from her own battle with breast cancer more than 10 years ago. The inspiration for the exhibit came from cancer patients who were willing to share their cancer journey with her.

“I was honored and humbled by each of the journeys shared with me. There were tears. There was some laughter. But most of all, there was camaraderie of knowing the experience of going through a cancer journey,” said Schaffer.

What she found during her interviews was that the word “hope” was a common thread among the participants. The physical and mental battles associated with cancer are fought with the spirit of hope. “At times,” Schaffer said, “hope is the only word cancer patients have to lean on.

“Each one of the participants state they are grateful, stronger, resilient and a little wiser and know the reverence for life. Cancer does not define us, but rather, cancer changes us. You pick up the pieces, and you try to find the reason for it all.”

Rose was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2010 when her youngest child was one-year-old. Blood in her stool and severe fatigue caused her to see her primary care doctor, who sent her for a colonoscopy. She had a stage 3B colon cancer that was blocking her intestines. After the cancer was surgically removed, she underwent several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, and she was sure she was cancer-free.

The wind was knocked out of her when she was told the cancer had spread to her lungs. In January 2014, she completed her maintenance chemotherapy and in June of 2014, her body showed no evidence of disease. What remains, though, is the gift of a beautiful marriage that was strengthened to new heights and a desire to help others through the cancer journey.

While in nursing school, Laura had stomach problems, which she thought were because of stress. A colonoscopy proved otherwise: a stage 3A adenocarcinoma had invaded her colon. She decided she was going to be around to watch her children grow up. She worked as a nurse through her treatment, after surgery and during chemotherapy, pushing herself to keep her mind occupied. She found solace and comfort with spiritual leaders and found a new peace in pursuing and receiving a master’s degree in preventive health care. She is passionately checking off items on her bucket list with the motto: “No excuses, no regrets!”