'Rock painting saved my life'

Jacksonville resident Debra Evans clicked away on the computer, searching for a fun craft that would bring her mother and sister back together. Beginning with making ceramics in the 1970s, it was the love of creativity that connected the family. Separated by distance and the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it had been a while since the daughters had one-on-one time with their mother. Evans planned a weekend of activities, called her mom and sister and hopped in the car to visit the craft store. 

The weekend finally came. Evans scattered the crafting supplies across the table – paints, paintbrushes, pallets and …rocks. Carole Nelson, Evans’s mom, and Susan Egan, Evans’s sister, looked puzzled.

“The Kindness Rock Project is based on the idea that one message, found at just the right moment, can change someone’s day and their life,” Evans explained to her mom and sister. She planned for them to each paint rocks with bright colors, words of affirmation and inspirational quotes before dispersing them around public places for someone else to come across at just the right time.

After a few minutes of painting, Egan said she had news to share. She had an abnormal breast biopsy and was going back to see the doctor the following week. Evans gasped, putting her hands to her chest. At that moment, she felt an irregular lump and the blood drained from her face.

A healing journey 

Evans was diagnosed with breast cancer at Hill Breast Center on the day her sister had surgery for her breast cancer. “Rock painting saved my life,” Evans said. “Without the gathering to paint rocks, I have no idea where I would be today.”

Rock painting quickly became more than just a hobby for the family. It was their inspiration, their motivation, their lifeline during treatment -- but it was never about them. It was about the power to inspire and encourage others. It was about the opportunity to spend quality time with their mom. They haven’t missed a weekend of rock painting since the first gathering in September 2017.

“I love that Evans found a channel for positive and healing energy. Her passion for this art has certainly enhanced her healing, and her message of hope and strength have been a gift to countless other patients,” said Beth-Ann Lesnikoski, MD, director of the breast program at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Rocking your world   

When the rocks are painted, the women post images to their Facebook group, “Sea Colony Rocks,” and distribute the rocks throughout Northeast Florida. Finders of the hidden treasures post a message on the page as well. Nelson and Egan deliver rocks to their local hospitals. Evans brings rocks to Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center where she has become well known for her empowering craft.

“The rock finds the person at just the right moment,” Evans explained. She leaves rocks in the courtyard and waiting rooms.

“Someone will come along and pick up a rock,” she said. “If they keep it, it was for them. If they admire it and place it back down, the message is supposed to reach someone else.”

From mermaids to Jack-O-Lanterns, the images on the rocks are all inspired by the shape of the rock itself. The quotes are written to encourage others, especially cancer patients. One of her favorite quotes, originally written by Jeremy Walker, is “The Devil whispered in my ear, ‘You’re not strong enough to withstand the storm.’ Today, I whispered in the Devil’s ear, ‘I am the storm.’”

A lasting legacy 

Evans, who calls herself a “cancer warrior,” will celebrate the end of her cancer treatment in December 2018 but was saddened by the idea that she won’t be bringing rocks to Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center. Hagan Ace Hardware, where Evans works, found out about the project. The store is hosting a competition for people in the community to paint rocks to be entered into a prize drawing. With more than 2,000 members in the local rock-painting groups, the store hopes to gather enough rocks for Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center employees and patients to disperse for a very long time.

“Holding a rock is like holding someone’s hand. You know you’re not alone,” Evans explained. “We paint the rocks with love and spread them out, hoping to spread that love to others around us when they need it most.”

Annual mammograms can detect cancer early, at its most treatable stage. Baptist Health offers comprehensive breast care, including digital screening mammograms and advanced diagnostics. To learn more, visit baptistjax.com/breast-health.

To learn more information about Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, visit baptistjax.com/services/baptist-md-anderson-cancer-center.