Queen Shannon

Model:  Shannon Gardner (Kentucky)

Shannon was diagnosed with breast cancer in early November of 2020.  As of late January 2021 Shannon was diagnosed with Covid-19 and was placed in a medically induced coma.  Shannon is a wife and is raising 4 adopted boys ages 11,13,15, & 18 (18 with special needs) on his own while also trying to maintain his full time job. . 

When she was awaken from her coma, she had to learn how to walk again.  Shannon continues to purserver in her pursuit to become cancer free. 

The message she asked Janet to convey in this portrait is - Help Me To Hold Out

Artist:  Janet Martinez (Texas)

"I graduated with my Associates degree in Art in August of 2019. I have always loved art and more especially what it does to people. It’s my way of escaping reality. I am a mother to 3 boys and in my spare time I make art. Sometimes for profit but more than times than anything it’s just for fun. It started out as a hobby until people wanted to pay me. I am still not comfortable charging because it takes the fun out of it. Also, so many people have done great things for me throughout my life so I feel like this would be my way of paying it forward, if allowed. I currently am unemployed so I have time that I could use to help someone else. After all it’s art and that’s what I was born to do, to create and to use my God given talent for the greater good."

IG: instagram.com/_janet.martinez 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/janet.martinez.908