Meet Grace
Grace is our honorary Breast Cancer Mermaid® whose symbolism is being painted on a statue by Johan Casadiego. Johan’s painting of Grace won first place in our Breast Cancer Mermaid Art Exhibition in May 2024.
We had a chance to interview Grace last week and discovered the answer to a few of the questions below. If you have questions for Grace, be sure to write us.
Where are you from, Grace? I hail from the Seven Seas of course, however, for the past few centuries, I’ve lived in the Gulf of Mexico. My Mersisters and I enjoy swimming around Hernando Beach and the waters in that area. Sorry if we made too much noise the other day splashing around while racing the turtles. You’d be amazed at how fast turtles are in the water.
You interact with people? Well of course, silly. MerFolk have always interacted with land dwellers…more so than you think, though we don’t typically reveal ourselves to you. I will share with you that many of us enjoy Hernando Beach; the waterways here are lovely and most of all the people are always so sweet and friendly.
Why reveal yourself now? We’re revealing ourselves because we love what Dr. Charley Ferrer of Cancer Tamer is doing to bring education to all about breast cancer. The fact that she thought to use the symbolism of Mermaids to remind women that they’re just as beautiful, alluring, and sensual regardless of whether they wear two shells, one shell, or none doesn’t change their beauty. We respect that.
My mersisters and I look forward to seeing the various ways women with breast cancer are honored. This is something we haven’t seen anywhere else in the world. And though most people think that breast cancer can only happen to land dwellers, merfolk are being affected by it as well.
The beauty of the Breast Cancer Mermaid® Art Collection is not only that it portrays us—Merfolk—but it brings to light the pollution happening in our waterways and the devasting affect it has for all of us—Merfolk and land dwellers alike. All too often, people forget that by polluting our waterways, you endanger all life: merfolk, manatees, fish, even humans. You eat seafood, don’t you? You need water to survive. We’re all symbiotically connected. Sadly, land dwellers forget or ignore our connection. Merfolk have seen the devasting effects of pollution over the past few decades. It’s time to put an end to it.
How old are you? Tsk…Tsk…Tsk…you know better than to ask a woman her age.
What do you like to eat? Fish of course! *Grace laughed when she shared this response.*
I typically eat my fish raw—what you call “sushi.” Although, I recently spent some time with Dr. Charley at the Silver Dolphin and tried their “Fish & Chips.” It was quite delicious. I would have never thought to fry my fish. I’ll have to return there and try a few more dishes.
I believe I saw a sign which stated, “Mermaids drink for free…Pirates pay double.” *Chuckles*
We’ve all heard the stories of mermaids saving sailors out at sea, is this true? Occasionally, Merfolk have helped when needed throughout the centuries.
How do you spend your day? I love swimming. Often my Mersisters and I enjoy racing dolphins, manatees, even racing sailboats. It is quite fun to test our speed against your latest powerboats.
Do you come to Hernando Beach often? We do now that Dr. Charley is working with local artists to share her educational vision of the Breast Cancer Mermaid®. I’m honored that she’s making history with the first ever Breast Cancer Mermaid Statue which is part of the Hernando County Mermaid Tail Trail. I’ve discovered that my statue will reside in Linda Pedersen National Park. You’ll all have to join us for the grand reveal November 23. Take pictures with my statue. We’ll give away prizes.
Plus, Dr. Charley is working with local artists to create a few Breast Cancer Mermaid® Murals. My mersister, Maisy’s portrait will be on the wall at the Silver Dolphin soon. I love the fact that women and men with breast cancer will be able to sign their name on the wall or add the name of someone they lost from this disease. Imagine, a wall to honor the strength and courage displayed by women and men affected by this disease. We haven’t seen this anywhere else in the world. Hernando Beach is making history; we knew the people here were special.
Grace has agreed to return for future interviews and to respond to any questions you may have. Feel free to email her at: info@CancerTamer.org.
We’re also raising funds to help us cover the cost of Grace’s Mermaid Statue and further murals. Please use the link below to help us bring awareness and educational programs on breast cancer to our communities.
Donate Today & Make History with us!