Orinda Cancer Survivor: 'I Am Living My Best Life!'

LAMORINDA, CA — Yoni Mayeri is a cancer survivor. Not survivor as in "victim" but as someone who used her experience to "find a path to my true self." Yoni finds beauty in nature, strength in forgiveness and "a strong appreciation for the many gifts that I have in my life."

The road to self-enlightenment for this Orinda photographer wound through radiation treatments and dark times. But Yoni used them for artistic expression. She created a photographic image each day of her treatment.

"Each piece was based on the radiation warning symbol, which was blended and manipulated using apps on the iPhone. Creating this series helped me express my fear and embrace the healing power of the 'scary' linear particle accelerator."

In addition to her photography, Yoni drew strength from a Cancer Support Community group that meets in Walnut Creek. At one of the meetings, "someone told me that cancer is a gift," Yoni said. "At the time I did not understand what they meant, because I was in the midst of treatment and not feeling so good."

She added: "Over time, I began to understand this concept. Facing a serious and potentially life-threatening illness gave me a strong appreciation for the many gifts that I have in my life. It gave me awareness for the small things that mattered, the ability to let go of the bad things like resentment, anger and fear.

"Through the process of healing, I was able to forgive myself for mistakes I had made, let go of negative vibes and find a path to my true self. I know it’s a cliche, but it taught me to live each day to the fullest, as we truly do not know when our time is up.

"I also became more compassionate as my appreciation for those less fortunate broadened. I am living my best life!"

Yoni has had time to reflect on her experiences. She has been in remission since her treatments four years ago. "These days my health is excellent."

Yoni now pours her energy into her photography, which may be viewed on her yonimayeri Instagram page. If you follow the page, you will see a button to message her. Send her a direct message if you wish to purchase a photo displayed on the page.

She also remains connected to the community that helped support her through her cancer journey. Yoni is one of 12 artists whose work was chosen for the 2021 CURE Calendar Contest. Mayeri's “Pandemic Dream” was taken at the Columbia River Gorge at sunset and is a composite of several images.

CURE magazine features information about cancer treatments, patients and survivors and publishes an annual calendar.

In announcing Yoni as a winner, CURE said, "Yoni is often in awe observing a sunrise or sunset, as it is a reminder of the promise of a day or the close of a day, and that life goes on no matter what. She sees this as a reminder to live each day to the fullest, as we never know what may be. It is one form of a spiritual practice, which is a component for recovery and maintaining health."

A committee of CURE staff members selected the 12 winners from 121 entries. The winning submissions include painting, photography, sculpture and more.

In addition to Yoni, CURE chose a second East Bay woman's art for the calendar: Alison Akin of Livermore. Here is a complete list of winners:

• Yoni Mayeri of Orinda for “Pandemic Dream.”
• Alison Akin of Livermore for “Healing Spirit Paintress.”
• Saulmon C. Addison of Brentwood, New York, for “A New Day.”
• Bonnie Annis of Newnan, Georgia, for “The Unseen Woman.”
• Vicki Friedman of York, Pennsylvania, for “Protection.”
• Gregory Lambert of New Braunfels, Texas, for “The Elephant in the Room.”
• Kathleen Maxian of Lockport, New York, for “Beautiful Survivor.”
• Carol A. Miele of Davenport, Florida, for “The Winter of My Chemo Tent.”
• Kathy Roth of Peoria, Illinois, for “The Monarch.”
• Peri Schwartz of New Rochelle, New York, for “Studio #22.”
• Linda K. Stewart of Fort Washington, Maryland, for “Acceptance 2X.”
• Gina Stratton of Willis, Texas, for “In the Moment.”

All CURE submissions are included in an online art gallery.

Free copies of the calendar may be ordered online.