Mandy Turner, 44, Breast Cancer Survivor

Five weeks after my husband left this world, I heard the words, "You have Breast Cancer".  My life had already been turned upside down, but all I could think was that I have to LIVE for my daughter, Brooklynn, no matter what.  That's exactly what I'm doing.  After treatment by medicine, a memorable summer with my daughter, then two surgeries later, I'm living my best possible life.

There’s something deeply symbolic about giving an old chair new life. Once a place of pause, this chair has been transformed into something that holds and nurtures growth—a living planter, full of vibrant blooms. For me, this transformation mirrors the journey of healing.  Not just healing physically, but emotionally and mentally, as well.

As a Breast Cancer survivor, this piece is personal. The chair represents life before diagnosis, the whirlwind of tests, scans, biopsies, the diagnosis, then treatment. The flowers growing from it represent what can come after: the return of color, the quiet strength of resilience, new life, and the beauty that can emerge from hardship. The butterfly is there to remind us that transformation is often slow and delicate, but also powerful.

I lost health insurance when my husband passed, so creating this piece has been an act of reflection and gratitude. The foundation we are supporting through Re-Seated played a critical role in my own journey, helping to lighten the load during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. This event, and this chair, are my way of saying thank you, and of passing that hope forward.

I've learned that life is too short and can change in an instant.  It isn't exactly what Brooklynn and I originally envisioned, but it sure is an outstanding version, and right now we couldn't be happier.

I hope that whoever takes this piece home feels not just its whimsy, but also its heart. May it be a reminder that even in the aftermath of something life-altering, beauty and purpose can take root.

I lost health insurance when my husband passed, so creating this piece has been an act of reflection and gratitude. The foundation we are supporting through Re-Seated played a critical role in my own journey, helping to lighten the load during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. This event, and this chair, are my way of saying thank you, and of passing that hope forward.

I've learned that life is too short and can change in an instant.  It isn't exactly what Brooklynn and I originally envisioned, but it sure is an outstanding version, and right now we couldn't be happier.

I hope that whoever takes this piece home feels not just its whimsy, but also its heart. May it be a reminder that even in the aftermath of something life-altering, beauty and purpose can take root.