George’s Cancer Journey
Discover George’s inspiring battle with cancer & his artistic journey. From Budapest to NYC, his cancer journey combines his resilience & creativity.
George // 30 Stories Campaign™ // Oral Cancer Awareness
Just before the pandemic, I noticed a small growth on my ear that, over time, became a large and painful tumor. My dermatologists diagnosed me with squamous cell carcinoma and advised me to seek specialized treatment in New York City. The realization of the tumor’s extent was shocking. It required not only the removal of a portion of my ear but also reconstructive surgery to restore it.
However, my challenges didn’t end there. A year and a half later, another growth appeared. This time, under my chin in the lymph nodes. It was, again, squamous cell carcinoma. The proposed solution was a neck dissection, a procedure fraught with risks, including the potential loss of movement in my right arm—a devastating prospect for me as an artist.
This was an incredibly complicated surgery bypassing many nerves and removal of cancerous tissue. The surgery was successful, a beautiful performance I attribute to the immense skill and knowledge my physician applied. Thankfully, none of my fears manifested. Despite this, my doctor recommended I undergo radiation treatment to combat the aggressive nature of the cancer.
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The discipline I cultivated as an artist became my beacon through the darkness of treatment.
The aftermath of radiation was a battle of its own—not only the treatment, but the residual side effects thereafter. I grappled with the loss of taste, muscle mass, and weight—effects that did not manifest immediately but eroded my strength and the joy I found in the simple act of tasting. The road to recovery presented many challenges, but through physical therapy and sheer will, I saw improvements, manifesting the resilience and strength I always knew I possessed.
My journey has been a lesson in self-discipline, a quality that has always been important to me and has been instrumental in my recovery. The discipline I cultivated as an artist, wrestling with existential questions through my work, became my beacon through the darkness of treatment. It taught me to wear “blinders”, to focus on the exercises, and to nourish my body and soul, even when hope seemed distant.
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Beyond the canvas, my story is deeply rooted in my identity as an ‘inner-city boy’ who left Budapest at 15.
Art, my eternal refuge, offered me an unexpected gift during this tumultuous time. The surreal, almost Magritte-esque reality of my environment pushed me to explore pastels, creating an ongoing diary that I continue to work with. This exploration into surrealism, a departure from my usual work, became a daily ritual after my first surgery, transforming not just my art but also how I viewed my journey with cancer.
TheGoodEar, 2021. Pastel on paper. 18-¾” × 13-¾”
Untitled, 2023. Pastel on paper. 17″ × 14″
Untitled, 2023. Pastel on paper. 17″ × 14″
Beyond the canvas, my story is deeply rooted in my identity as an “inner-city boy” who left Budapest at 15, embarking on a solitary journey to NYC. The city—rich with culture, diversity, and the vibrant art scene—became my sanctuary and my home. My sojourns to New Mexico, working with the Native American tribe Kewa in Santo Domingo Pueblo, further enriched my life with connections that fed my soul and strengthened my resolve.
Amidst the trials, it’s the joy found in the love of my city, the companionship of my wife Mary and my little black pug Lulu…
As COVID shook up the world and the city braced for lockdown, I found myself at my favorite downtown artist bar for what would be the last time in a while. The atmosphere buzzed with a mix of defiance and resignation, reflecting the surrealism that had always fascinated me yet now seeped into the fabric of my lived experience. With a glass of wine in hand, I toasted to the city, to resilience, and to the uncertain journey ahead. Immersed in the art world, I felt like a visual poet, woven into the fabric of a community that had always embraced and inspired me.
In this battle with cancer, I’ve learned the invaluable lesson of maintaining a positive mindset. Amidst the trials, it’s the joy found in the love of my city, the companionship of my wife Mary and my little black pug Lulu, and the unwavering support of my doctors that have filled me with gratitude and a sense of victory.
My advice to anyone facing a daunting journey is simple: keep a positive mind. Through the surrealist challenges of life, art, love, and a community’s embrace, I have found not just a path to recovery but a deeper understanding of resilience and the beauty of life itself.
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