2026: Theme - "Gratitude"
Location
Charles F. Knight Executive Education & Conference Center
Start Date
26-3-2026 6:00 PM
End Date
26-3-2026 9:00 PM
Description
Freddy-May AbiSamra is a Clinical Genetic Counselor in the Department of Pediatrics. They shared personal artwork, a sculpture created after their spouse's brain cancer diagnosis and surgery.
" I sculpted this piece one evening after a long and difficult day at the hospital, struggling to compartmentalize my work while attacked by my own fears and fresh memories. Working the clay calmed my mind, my body. When I was done making the brain, I found a sharp, jagged, violent looking circular tool and cut a hole in the parietal lobe. One year later, I used polymer clay to add two chamomiles growing out of the empty space. Chamomiles represent "energy through adversity." We had been married only six months when this adversity struck (and more kept coming and coming). It's easy to feel like so much has been taken from us. These flowers remind me of what has grown in its place -- a deeply loving marriage; a phenomenal support network of family and friends; a true sense of gratitude for every moment spent with loved ones."
Close View flowers
PXL_20250104_015357002.jpg (148 kB)
alternate view.2
Energy Through Adversity
Charles F. Knight Executive Education & Conference Center
Freddy-May AbiSamra is a Clinical Genetic Counselor in the Department of Pediatrics. They shared personal artwork, a sculpture created after their spouse's brain cancer diagnosis and surgery.
" I sculpted this piece one evening after a long and difficult day at the hospital, struggling to compartmentalize my work while attacked by my own fears and fresh memories. Working the clay calmed my mind, my body. When I was done making the brain, I found a sharp, jagged, violent looking circular tool and cut a hole in the parietal lobe. One year later, I used polymer clay to add two chamomiles growing out of the empty space. Chamomiles represent "energy through adversity." We had been married only six months when this adversity struck (and more kept coming and coming). It's easy to feel like so much has been taken from us. These flowers remind me of what has grown in its place -- a deeply loving marriage; a phenomenal support network of family and friends; a true sense of gratitude for every moment spent with loved ones."
