Hand-painted mugs bring hope to cancer patients

Published 10:53 pm Sunday, September 28, 2008

Holly Hausmann is someone who donates her time and talent to folks who don’t even know her name.

The Monroe woman is member of the Northwest China Painters Guild. The group paints mugs and donates the glassware to cancer patients. They hope to connect with medical centers in Everett where they may deliver pretty mugs for those undergoing chemotherapy.

Members call this their pink-ribbon project.

“We have members in Skagit, Snohomish, and King counties,” Hausmann said. “We are different from most groups in that we hand paint on porcelain instead of paper or canvas.”

When dealing with cancer, she said, every day is a challenge to not become overwhelmed by treatments.

“We hand paint, no decals, each mug or cup, one at a time and they are given to women who are in treatment,” Hausmann said. “They are reminded every day when they drink their coffee or tea that they are not alone.”

Amy Wimmer received a mug at Group Health Cooperative in Seattle after her last chemotherapy session.

“It’s gorgeous,” Wimmer said. “It made me cry to think that people are so willing to give of their time, talent and resources to brighten the day for someone like me. I will treasure my wild rose teacup forever.”

It makes it all worthwhile, Hausmann said, to hear from someone who appreciates their gift.

“We hand painted something that will remind her that she is not alone,” she said. “There is somebody out there who cares for her and wishes her an excellent recovery.”

Hausmann has been told that it isn’t unusual for mug recipients to break down when they get the cups.

“It really warms your heart when you are given some talent by God, and study hard for years, and are able to put it into good use.”

She grew up in Lynnwood, when life had a slower pace.

“I remember when cars came by about once every minute or so. You could hear the church bell at Alderwood Community Church every Sunday morning. It was so quiet that sometimes when the wind was right, you could hear the train from Edmonds.”

She married and moved to Monroe 40 years ago.

“It was very rural then,” Hausmann said. “Farmers would be in the cafe on old Main Street at 10 every morning for coffee, in their overalls. There were family farms that dotted the landscape with cows, as well as every other kind of animal. I don’t have to tell anyone it is much different today.”

Art is her passion. She loves to paint on a glazed surface like others paint on paper and canvas. She likes to include words of encouragement on the cups she decorates for cancer patients.

“When nothing is certain, then everything’s possible.”

And with a steady hand, not knowing who will come to love her work, she writes “Courage is taking the first step without seeing the whole staircase.”

Columnist Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451 or oharran@heraldnet.com.