The Healing Power of Art
Edna Sosa, 85, is a mother of three living in Planation, Florida. She is a survivor of colon, stomach, and most recently, breast cancer. She is also a stroke survivor. To call her resilient is an understatement.
Sosa’s story is particularly inspiring because of her contagious, positive energy, gratitude and will to live her best life, despite the many health challenges she has faced throughout her lifetime. She is also no stranger to grief. A few years ago, Sosa lost both her sister and her brother to cancer within the same month. Soon after, Edna went into a deep depression and she and her husband knew she needed to find a way out.
She found a creative outlet, and a way to process the pain, through learning how to paint. As the years passed, Sosa continued to practice and work with various mentors and teachers to enhance her newfound craft.
“Painting is the way I recreate myself…going through the loss of my family members…going through chemo… it was so hard and I felt so sick… painting helped…it was my way of distracting myself form the pain,” Sosa explained.
Sosa was diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer in 2020. While undergoing chemotherapy treatment (one of the three treatments used to treat triple positive breast cancer) she encountered Mount Sinai’s music therapist Maria Hernandez. Maria often makes the rounds while patients are receiving chemotherapy to see if they are interested in music therapy — and ultimately to provide a comfort to them.
Sosa and Hernandez were alike in their love for all things related to art, and soon embarked upon a joint video project that featured Sosa’s paintings and Hernandez’s music.
“After she showed me her paintings, I thought it would be helpful (as a medium of self-expression) to engage her in collaborating on a music therapy project displaying her beautiful artwork, and supporting her with creating music for her paintings and story,” Hernandez explained. “She titled the project ‘One soul…many stories, Between fears and laughs, Path of inspiration,’ and at the end of the video, she shares how painting (art) has been therapeutic in her journey.”
The entire team at Mount Sinai’s Comprehensive Cancer Center was inspired by Sosa’s work, but more so her attitude. Her surgical oncologist Dr. Juan Paramo explains:
“I have never seen someone that is more optimistic! Her way of being is so wonderful. She is enthusiastic and energetic and that’s half the battle. Your attitude is what makes a huge difference when it comes to treatment and recovery.”
Sosa loved the video and has maintained a special friendship with Hernandez.
“It came out so nicely. Maria stays in touch with me to find out how I am doing. She is so sweet and I really appreciate her love and caring and especially the music she played for me while I was going through chemotherapy,” Sosa said.
Sosa became somewhat of a celebrity at the Cancer Center, both recognized for her artwork, music project, and her vibrant energy.
“Everyone knows me know because of my painting and because of my work with Maria…it is sad that I met all these great people because of cancer but I would say that God put these people in front of me for a reason.” Sosa added.
Sosa also had an extra special bond with her care team at Mount Sinai.
“The doctors and nurses and staff that I worked with were superb. Professional, loving, caring… and they made me feel good and made me feel encouraged as I went through my treatment. They all treated me in such a way that showed me that I could overcome all this,” Sosa explained.
As a token of gratitude for the care she received and as a way to inspire others, Sosa was beyond happy to share her story.
“I was lucky to have met the Mount Sinai doctors and staff… and here I am, still here…if my story can encourage others who are going through something similar- let it be. Tomorrow is always a better day.”