MANSFIELD — Long infusion treatments are some of Jeremy Fox’s most creative hours.
Fox, 44, of Mansfield, was diagnosed with colon cancer in early 2023 – just two months after his mother lost her battle with cervical cancer.
“She (Fox’s mother) was an artist too,” he said. “She was the one who inspired me to paint… she was like my biggest fan.”
When Fox comes to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital every two weeks for infusion treatments, he brings a suitcase full of art supplies, an easel and a canvas.
The 44-year-old said painting helps him stay present and usually lifts the spirits of the patients around him as they watch Fox at work.
He plans to sell some of his paintings to raise money for children with cancer.
The ‘most terrifying’ prayer Fox has ever prayed
Fox grew up in Mansfield and began working as an artist at the age of 24.
He completes commissions for Six Flags and Cedar Fair, including large steel sculptures, murals and roller coasters.
“It all started with airbrushing T-shirts and I just saw an opportunity,” Fox said. “Whatever the big man (God) starts, he will finish it and this year I finally landed my first roller coaster.”
The cancer diagnosis forced Fox to step back from his heavy work schedule and travel back and forth between Texas and Ohio to visit his parents before returning to Mansfield permanently after his mother’s diagnosis three years ago.
He said that while he was grateful, he was beginning to feel unhappy, and that was when Fox said the “most terrifying prayer” he had ever said.
“What is your will?” he prayed to God. “What do you want me to do?
“Just do whatever it takes to get me online with you.”
Before his mother died, Fox said she told him he wasn’t living properly and that his career was taking up his time.
“She died shortly after that, and two months later I was diagnosed with colon cancer,” he said. “It was like, ‘OK. I’m going to follow (God’s plan).'”
“I never asked why”
Fox is convinced that adversity has a specific purpose: to “change, shape and form” a person.
“If he (God) allows it, then it will be used for something good,” he said. “That is exactly what drives me.”
Art has the ability to broaden one’s perspective on things, said Fox, and puts people in the moment. It’s the same with a cancer diagnosis.
“It (cancer) puts you in the moment, right now,” he said. “I don’t worry about tomorrow anymore because today is all I have.”
This perspective can be seen on the canvases of Fox’s paintings, which often feature themes of overcoming a challenge or adversity.
“I’ve always thought of it (art) as a kind of superhero thing that you can use at any time because I can create whatever I want on it (on the canvas),” Fox said.
“But I also influence people because they can somehow resonate (with the artwork) … it’s usually like overcoming (adversity). Art is very important, culturally and individually.”
Using art for good
When Fox comes to Mansfield Hospital for treatment, when he is not painting, he likes to stroll around and chat with other patients.
The 44-year-old artist dreams of one day opening a place where he can give painting lessons to cancer patients and palliative care patients.
He also plans to sell original artwork to raise money for children with cancer – something his mother had already planned.
“She kept saying, ‘When I get better, I want to help the kids,'” Fox said.
He has set a goal of raising $2,500 – the highest donor will receive one of Fox’s landscape oil paintings.
Part of the healing process is the ability to give back, Fox said.
“It’s all a matter of perspective,” he said. “Whether I’m still here in five years or not, it’s all good because I’m living my best life right now and that’s what it’s all about.”
Visit Fox’s website or Facebook page to stay up to date with his blogs, artwork, and announcements of future fundraisers.
