Ramos didn’t let even her worst day in chemo slow her drawing down. The result is an ICANCERVIVE series of cartoons about the small and large miseries of treating the disease everything from losing one’s hair to wearing a wig. Since January, doctors have told the 53-year-old that she is cancer-free. “I know that prayer and humor are two main things that got me through cancer,” she said. It also was, Ramos said, her supportive community at Poinciana Day School where she teaches art “My principal and assistant principal are so outstanding,” she said.
“It’s such a child-centered school. I’ve just never been in such a caring and child-centered environment.” Teaching is something Ramos, who was born in Albany, N.Y., enjoys. “I wanted to make an impact,” she said. “When you see that light bulb moment (in a child), it gives you instant gratification.” When she was sick, it was that moment that Ramos missed most. The most difficult thing I didn’t get that daily interaction with the children.” Now, Ramos is teaching at Poinciana while living in Green-acres with her youngest child, 18-year-old Amber. Darin, now 24, lives in West Palm Beach and works as a mechanic for Mercedes. Her husband moved to Tampa because of a job, and she has stayed behind until her daughter graduates from Wellington High School in June, when she will join her husband something she has mixed feelings about. “I wish I could take this school with me,” she said.
While Ramos deals with the pending loss of a community of friends, parents, co-workers and children that sustained her during a difficult time, she also is looking at helping others with her cartooning and art. She plans to take a short course in art therapy and may consider getting a degree in it. Then, she could help others who experience what she has for the past year. She and former student and friend Tricia Couch have started a website, dedicated to cancer patients.
She also would like to find a way to give back to the doctors and nurses in Palm Beach County who have helped her. The cancer has changed me in a lot of ways,” she said. “It makes you appreciate things a lot more. You stay in the moment more.” The cancer also has renewed her purpose in life. “There’s something else I need to do. “I’m excited about the Web site, and about humanizing something so devastating.”
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