MADISON, Wis. – For one patient, a cancer diagnosis turned a hobby into a career.
Allana Randall, 26, was living in Taiwan teaching English in 2019 when she started to notice some persistent health issues including weight loss, fatigue and a lingering cough. She initially attributed it to her body adjusting to living abroad but eventually made an appointment with a local physician.
When she was ultimately diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, she returned home to be with family and friends for her treatments in early 2020.
Because cancer treatments can make a patient’s immune system more vulnerable, Randall had to be extremely careful about going out or seeing visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Art became a vital therapeutic outlet for her, and she began designing upbeat stickers such as one that included colorful succulents and the phrase “cancer succs.”
Randall decided to open her own online business, Ten by Ten Gallery, and a portion of each sale is donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. She has so far donated more than $12,000.
Randall also creates paintings, several of which are now on display in the Cancer Symptom Management Clinic at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, including a piece in the reception area that features the word “RESILIENT” interwoven with flowers. She also designed colorful window decals for treatment rooms in that wing.
It is difficult to describe how moved she feels that her work will be seen by other people facing cancer treatments, Randall said
“It’s really emotional for me because it does feel like it’s come full circle,” she said. “Chemo is such a terrible thing to go through, so if there’s any little bit of brightness I can give, it makes me so happy to be able to do that.”
Randall, who has been in remission since November 2021, also attends several local art fairs to showcase her work, which also gives her the opportunity to meet and talk with fellow cancer survivors and those who have had a loved one diagnosed.
“I’ve heard so many stories, and it can be really intense and heavy, but it’s interesting how often people open up and want to be heard,” she said. “My booth feels like a safe space where people can share their cancer story and connect with strangers. Hearing these stories is really a unique and powerful experience for me.”
Mandy Kron, art project manager, UW Health, was looking for new art to feature in the newly remodeled Cancer Symptom Management Clinic when she came across Randall’s work, she said.
“Allana’s artwork is bold, bright and joyful,” Kron said. “I liked that it included positive messages and some familiar images such as the state Capitol, but in her own unique style.”
Kron seeks to feature local artists throughout the hospital and Randall being a cancer survivor gives her work an added layer of meaning for patients in treatment, but Kron was especially drawn to Randall’s “RESILIENT” painting, she said.
“I’ve heard very positive feedback from staff and patients that have been especially fond of this piece as well,” Kron said.
While Randall never planned on becoming a professional artist, she feels at peace that the bumps in her life have led her to a positive place, she said.
“It’s a life path I never would’ve chosen, but I feel very grateful for where I am and being able to give back through my artwork,” she said.
