Non-profit, art gallery, artists shine light on breast cancer battles

Well, when it comes to fighting cancer, it often takes an entire community. In Lakeland, a local non-profit, an art gallery, and several artists are joining forces to shine a light on that battle and inspiring people facing it head-on. That partnership tonight is What's Right with Tampa Bay. The beauty of art is how different artists can see the very same subject in a completely new way. Kelly Kowalski was the first model. Inside the Not A Gallery, three painters and a sculptor are bringing their visions to life. She was so excited to be here and to tell her story. All to help share a story of true perseverance. I think that there's a lot to be gained out of seeing yourself through someone else's eyes and sometimes you can find a lot of truth through that. I believe that there's going to be a lot of therapy. Kelly's journey began when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 28 years old. After four rounds of chemo, 38 radiation treatments, and four surgeries, she's now cancer free. But like so many survivors, she needed a helping hand along the way. Once you get hit with an unexpected crisis like breast cancer, you're automatically in situational poverty. Kelly was the first of five models for the Florida Art Masters Portrait Competition, and each model is a breast cancer patient or survivor who received assistance from the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida. The nonprofit steps in to help cover non-medical bills during treatment. They were actually able to continue just focusing on their treatment and do what the doctors asked them to do, make their appointments, not worry about their gas. Just that little bit of relief can be a lifesaver for people. Paul. The goal of this exhibit is to bring awareness to the foundation, all the great work they do, and to celebrate the brave faces they've helped along the way. When they get to see themselves here and be proud to tell their story, and they can see that people still see they're beautiful. They get to see, you know, you're still there. You're still alive. You're still, you look just like this. I love these. Pretty neat. There are still four more sessions left in the Florida Art Masters Portrait Competition. If you'd like to learn more, head to notagallery.com. It's N-O-T-T-A, gallery.com. Very cool.