Inspiring medical success stories of strength and resilience have the ability to serve as beacons of hope and tangible examples of the human spirit soaring above obstacles in unexpected ways. Lenz recently had the privilege to develop a media pitch focusing on one such story.
It’s the unorthodox cancer journey of Karen Strelecki, a 72-year-old patient of University Cancer & Blood Center (UCBC), a Lenz client based in Athens, Georgia. Strelecki reacted to a 2024 breast cancer diagnosis and the resulting treatments by transforming the ordeal into an uplifting art project. Her colorful creativity glowed brightly during the most challenging chapter of her life, allowing Strelecki to spread joy and optimism to others also facing the daunting diagnosis.
The story was picked up by Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which published an article by reporter Hunter Boyce.
“The moment our client shared Strelecki’s story with us, I knew its compelling nature would touch the hearts and minds of others,” says Lenz media relations manager, Jon Waterhouse. “And I’m grateful the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reacted so strongly to our pitch, as they did an amazing job bringing that story to life.”
The article starts at the beginning, explaining Strelecki’s spring 2024 diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive, early-stage breast cancer. She found solace in the guidance of Dr. Cody Gunn of UCBC, who oversaw her treatment plan. This included surgery, and subsequent chemotherapy and radiation with the eventual addition of immunotherapy. The entire process would begin in July 2024 and wrap at the end of June 2025.
When treatment started, Strelecki’s professional photographer husband, Greg, began documenting the process by taking photos of her on her way to treatment. However, it soon evolved into something more. An artist in her own right, Strelecki thought of a creative way to amp things up. Instead of just posing for photos, she would dress in elaborate costumes.
Strelecki drew from inspiring female historical figures, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, suffragists, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Additionally, she threw other strong, female, fictional characters into the mix, from Tinkerbell to the World War II-era Rosie the Riveter. During the holiday season, she wore the trademark pink bunny suit from the film “A Christmas Story.” When Valentine’s Day neared, she dressed as a box of Valentines.
The project became an obsession and spawned elaborate studio photo shoots. Greg would even add Photoshop computer effects to the finished products. For example, he superimposed an image of Strelecki as Princess Leia from “Star Wars” aboard a starship right next to the iconic robot R2-D2.
Despite the challenge of the treatment itself, which proved both physically and emotionally draining, Strelecki used the project to help her get through difficult days. Additionally, she would help others in the process.
On treatment days, Strelecki arrived at UCBC all decked out, surprising the staff and fellow patients among the treatment pods on the second floor where the infusions take place. On many occasions, her character-of-the-day made the rounds in the chemo room sharing treats with everyone. Smiles inevitably followed.
At the end of her cancer treatment, Strelecki says she’s grateful for the prognosis she received from Dr. Gunn. Her cancer, he explains, has less than a 2% chance of returning.
For her costume curtain call, Strelecki is pondering a grand finale. She says she and her husband would like to donate their images in some form to help encourage new cancer patients to find their own creative path through the overwhelming maze of cancer.
“If I can lift up others,” she says, “that would be a great end product for me.”