The Art of Living: one woman taking control of her end

Posted on 15 November, 2019

Jules Domigan had big plans—she wanted to raise her beautiful baby daughter Rory, and contribute to the world—perhaps through politics.

But the 35-year old mum has run out of time—due to metastatic breast cancer.

Last year, when she was 14 week’s pregnant, Jules received the diagnosis of Triple Negative breast cancer—an aggressive and insidious form of the disease.

Just five weeks after Rory was delivered safely into the world—and with no ill-effects from the chemotherapy that Jules had to undertake while pregnant—Jules’ mother Mitzi died from gastric cancer.

Now Jules is determined that her final months will be dedicated to helping support others with breast cancer and she wants to take control of her own ending.

“A month ago I wasn’t expected to see Christmas, now I am and I’m super excited.”

What is propelling Jules is an idea she had to raise money for the Breast Cancer Network of Australia (BCNA).

She credits the BCNA with providing her with “the most amazing support—from connecting me with other young women with breast cancer to helping me organise childcare. BCNA lobbies for access to better drugs and that’s so important, especially those with metastatic breast cancer. I want to make a difference to the women like me who will be diagnosed with breast cancer to ensure they can receive the free support I have.”

Mitzi, Rory and Jules.

Jules’ idea to raise funds is to sell her mother’s artwork. Mitzi Vardill was a talented artist across many mediums. She was a Sydney-based art teacher and well-respected locally.

According to Jules, “I think she would have had a much larger profile had she not been so reserved about promoting herself, she was never good at that.

“My mum died leaving us with around 600 pieces of artwork that can bring joy to many, which is how we came up with The Art of Living event. The pieces are very affordable, some less than $100. They’re priced well below what they are worth, but I know mum would love that they’re being appreciated whilst helping those with breast cancer.”

“Some of Mum’s work could get dark, for example, some of the work she did after 9/11. The flowers she must have drawn when she was happy because she loved the way colour made her feel. They make me smile when I walk past them on the walls because I like to think she is happy now, drawing, with paint all over her, somewhere.”

Rory and Mitzi.

The Art of Living auction has already raised $22,000.

“I always thought I was going to do something great over the course of a long life, I had big plans. Those plans are now gone but I wanted to think of another way to make a difference and leave a legacy that my little girl will be proud of,” says Jules.

“My story will not have a fairytale ending—it is sad and I am annoyed that I am going to miss out on life and my daughter’s life. But I have also realised that there is joy to be found even in the worst of times. I could never have imagined the kindness and love I have experienced in the last 18 months. Cancer has control of my body but I am in control of the rest.”

Jules, Rory and husband Joel.

The mother shares her wisdom, saying “I am scared of dying, but not talking about it won’t stop it or make it happen any faster. Don’t leave things unsaid – have the conversation with those you love. And planning doesn’t mean you are giving up hope, I am giving it everything I have.”

To view the artwork and make a purchase (with all proceeds going to BCNA) see mitziv.com.au.

You can purchase art on the website or try your luck at the online auction on Facebook: Von Rock Art Auctions and Sales.