Art Through Cancer
- Throat cancer survivor Val Kilmer, 64, is sharing some memorabilia on his website, and most recently shared a signed relic of a comic book for his fans’ “Batcave.”
- Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014; he had a tracheotomy and also underwent chemotherapy to treat his disease. The actor lost his voice to the disease and ultimately chose to express himself through his artwork.
- Throat cancer is a type of head and neck cancer where cancerous cells begin in the throat, voice box, or tonsils.
The 64-year-old actor and throat cancer survivor took to Instagram this month to inform his fans about an antique comic book that is up for grabs.
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Kilmer explained further, “Only a select few bear my personal inscription and signature with the haunting words, ‘We all wear masks.’ This issue is also blessed with the signature of Doug Mahnke, the mastermind behind the cover’s brooding brilliance.
“Whether you’re a caped crusader in your heart or just a collector with a keen eye, this is a must-have for your Batcave. Subscribe to my newsletter and stay in the loop at ValKilmer.Com.”
The signed rare and collectible comic book, titled, “Batman Detective Comics #1000” was up for sale this month on the actor’s website for $350 but is now listed as “sold out.”
Limited copies were available and Kilmer’s website noted that the “Batman Forever” star will not be signing this inscription again.
Whoever purchased the rare item received “authentication images of Val and Doug signing and Hologram sticker from Celebrity Authentics.”
Fans were delighted Kilmer was offering up the comic book to fans, with commenting on his Instagram post, “You are incredible, your life story, what you do, you will always be Batman, you are a complete hero in our lives.
“Thank you very much for being so special, and having such enormous humility in your heart.”
Another fan wrote, “Thank you for letting us know @valkilmerofficial we love you.”
“Val, you are one heck of an artist and actor. No matter what life hands you, you are and always will be the bomb take care my friend,” commented a third.
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Seeing Kilmer continued to share his artwork creations and memorabilia through his website and his community of artists called Kamp Kilmer, which he describes as “a destination where creative beings gather to express themselves in exciting and innovative ways while contributing to the evolution of the arts through technology and connectivity.”
“A living, breathing virtual space with boundless possibilities where a community of eclectics and artists can thrive without limitations of space and time. A decentralized hub where we come together to share ideas and collaborate on art, film, music, and literary projects,” he adds.
In the “About Me” section on his website, he describes him self as having been “have been honing my art, no matter the medium” for more than 50 years.
Kilmer praised on his website that “much prayer, medical science, and the love of my family and community” helped him beat cancer.
He explains, “But because of the radiation and chemotherapy interventions, my voice and throat were severely damaged. It isn’t easy to talk and be understood. I am improving all the time, but am not able to be out in the world the same way I had become accustomed. When one thing is taken, though, another is given.
“With little voice, my creative juices were boiling over and pouring out of me. I started creating again, painting, writing anything I could. I felt the art healing me. I wanted to share this with others, and I started looking for a place to do so. I found a large studio in Hollywood,” Kilmer says.
“A fun sacred space where artists, musicians, muses, collectors, and friends could gather to celebrate creativity – and then the unthinkable, a global pandemic that pushed us all into our homes. You can’t snuff out destiny. The story is far from over…….Enter KAMP KILMER.”
Val Kilmer’s Battle With Throat Cancer
Val Kilmer discovered he had throat cancer in 2015 but chose not to speak publicly about his diagnosis until 2017.
The actor wasn’t considering conventional treatment at first, thinking his Christian Science faith would heal the tumors. But he ultimately agreed to undergo chemotherapy for the sake of his adult children, Mercedes and Jack, whom he had with his ex-wife, English actress Joanne Whalley.
Kilmer also underwent a tracheotomy, a surgical procedure that connects the windpipe to a hole in the front of the neck, which greatly impacted his speaking voice.
Thankfully, Kilmer continued acting as “Top Gun: Maverick” filmmakers were able to help give Iceman a voice again thanks to artificial intelligence technology that used samples of him speaking to recreate his signature speech patterns.
And though he originally kept his cancer battle out of the public eye, Kilmer eventually shared more about his journey through interviews, his autobiography “I’m Your Huckleberry,” and his documentary, “Val.”
RELATED: Watch this Inspiring Film About the Impact Art & Music Can Have on the Cancer Journey
“I have been healed of cancer for over four years now, and there has never been any recurrence,” he wrote. “I am so grateful.”
Do What You Love
While battling cancer, it can be difficult to focus on anything except the treatment you’re going through. However, studies prove that patients who are able to stay positive during treatment typically see better results.
Doing activities that bring you joy play a huge part in lifting spirits and improving attitude and mindset. For those battling cancer, doing activities you love can sometimes bring some much-needed positivity into your day.
Whether it’s a picnic with friends, hike in the great outdoors, sitting down with a paint brush and canvas, or selling off a special artifact that’s meaningful to you, it’s so important to find those special pockets of joy.
RELATED: Stay Positive, It Matters
“We know from good studies that emotional health is associated with survival, meaning better quality of life is associated with better outcomes,” Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecologic oncologist at Arizona Oncology, told SurvivorNet in a previous interview.
“So working on your emotional health, your physical well-being, your social environment [and] your emotional well-being are important and can impact your survival. If that’s related to what activities you do that bring you joy, then you should try to do more of those activities.”
Dr. Dana Chase encourages those facing cancer to find moments of joy during treatment
Turning To Art During or After a Diagnosis
Val Kilmer started crating art during his cancer treatment and he continues to do so today. Looking inward for inspiration can be a very purifying journey to help get you through the before, during or aftermath of a cancer journey.
Marianne Cuozzo, a three-time cancer survivor, can attest to the power of art. And despite the fact that cancer has essentially been her whole life, Cuozzo has recognized herself as a lot more than a diagnosis by focusing on her life as a mother and an artist.
Three-Time Cancer survivor Marianna Cuozzo On How Art Helps Her Express Herself
Cuozzo was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1994 at the age of 28. In 1997, she had a recurrence, and then she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. She had a double mastectomy and originally got implants with reconstruction.
But after years of infections, she decided to remove her implants and “go flat.” Her artwork reflects a deeply personal exploration of body image and sexuality. In a previous interview with SurvivorNet, Cuozzo tells us how she found comfort expressing herself through her work.
“My artwork is very reflective of my cancer journey,” Cuozzo says. “I’m doing the best I can to feel beautiful in this new body.”
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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