A breast cancer diagnosis is a life-altering moment, often accompanied by fear, uncertainty, and a long road of treatments. For Karen Strelecki, a 72-year-old artist from Madison, Georgia, it was also the beginning of a creative journey that transformed her chemotherapy experience into a source of joy and inspiration for others. Diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the earliest stage of breast cancer, Strelecki faced a year of chemotherapy and radiation. But rather than retreat into isolation or despair, she chose to meet her treatments in costume—literally.

Strelecki’s story, as reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, is a testament to the power of attitude and creativity in the face of adversity. With the support of her husband, professional photographer John Gregory Strelecki, she launched what they would come to call the “Fun Fights Fear” project. Each week, Karen dressed as a notable woman from history or pop culture—icons like Princess Leia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg—and posed for themed portraits that brought smiles to fellow patients and staff at the University Cancer & Blood Center in Athens, Georgia.

“That would give me something to take my mind off of feeling bad at least once a week,” Strelecki shared with the AJC. “And it would kind of give me something to look forward to.” These words reflect the emotional toll that cancer treatments can take. According to Dr. Cody Gunn, the general surgeon who treated her, chemotherapy is often a grueling, months-long process marked by fatigue and ongoing fear of recurrence. In Strelecki’s case, the treatment lasted a full year.

What began as a way to document her journey and distract from the physical and emotional strain soon turned into a vibrant, empowering project. Initially, the couple used a cellphone to capture the weekly costume photos. As the project evolved, they moved to a more professional setup, enhancing the images with photo editing and higher production value. Strelecki compiled a list of strong, successful women to embody, channeling their strength to uplift herself and those around her.

“No more ‘poor me!’” she wrote. “Every week I’d play dress-up for Greg to do what he does best, make me look better! And THAT made me feel better.” These sessions became more than just a creative outlet—they were a source of connection. When she began appearing at the cancer center in full costume, she was met with laughter, surprise, and gratitude. Patients and staff alike took selfies with her, shared hugs, and enjoyed the treats she brought along. The costumes turned chemotherapy days into something brighter, if only for a moment.

Dr. Gunn emphasized the importance of morale in the healing process. “Your attitude is so important, and that helped her get through it,” he said. “And it helped other people get through it.” He also noted that the presence of joy and levity in a clinical setting can uplift staff members who face the emotional weight of treating cancer patients every day.

One detail I found particularly striking was Strelecki’s choice of costume for her final treatment: Tinkerbell. As she rang the bell marking the end of her chemotherapy, she handed out Pixie Stix and fairy lights to fellow patients. The gesture was whimsical yet deeply meaningful, embodying her commitment to spreading light during a dark time.

Strelecki’s diagnosis of DCIS, which accounts for about 20 percent of new breast cancer cases according to the American Cancer Society, underscores the importance of early detection. Dr. Gunn noted that her early diagnosis significantly reduced the intensity of her treatment. “So it affects the treatments you get, how aggressive you have to be with treatment—lots of times you can just take the area out,” he explained. “You don’t have to lose your breasts.”

That’s why mammograms remain a critical tool in the fight against breast cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend regular screenings, and the American Cancer Society advises women at average risk to begin annual mammograms at age 40. For those at higher risk, screenings may need to start as early as age 30. As Dr. Gunn put it, “The most important thing, and you hear it over and over again, is early detection.”

Now that her treatment is complete, Strelecki and her husband are working to donate the Fun Fights Fear collection to the University Cancer & Blood Center. They hope it will be included in an inspirational packet for future patients. The project, which began as a personal coping mechanism, has grown into a legacy of encouragement and resilience.

“My hope is that people will be able to benefit from our efforts, because it sure did help me,” she said. In sharing her story, Strelecki offers others a roadmap for finding strength through creativity, connection, and a touch of costume magic.

Read more at ajc.com