North Carolina
‘Always about hope’: Ukrainian artist with cancer paints new life in North Carolina
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Anatolii Tarasiuk often gets lost in art using colors and canvas to paint a new life in North Carolina after escaping his war-torn country of Ukraine for 10 months.
“I could be dead by now. God probably has something for me to do on this Earth. Since I’m still alive,” Tarasiuk said.
Last year he wasn’t as hopeful. The law of the land wouldn’t allow him to leave.
“It was so surreal because it was not one siren. There were sirens everywhere. So that’s why it was so scary. And I could hear some explosions in the background,” he said.
Then his wife gave birth to their third child. That baby who turned one year old six days ago, became a ticket to freedom. Tarasiuk packed up his family, and dozens of his pieces of art, and headed to the States for a better life.
ALSO SEE: Ukrainian refugee family in Durham spend Ukrainian Independence Day miles from home
“It was another miracle. No one ever checked that art, you know, anywhere in Ukraine, Poland, not even in the United States of America. No one checked it” he said
With the help of several U.S. sponsors, community, and connections through art, Tarasiuk settled in Hillsborough last July. But his troubles were not over.
“We landed here. My friends started immediately looking for some doctor who can see me,” he said.
The help kept coming during the months of grueling chemo and radiation treatments for rectal cancer. In the end, the cancer was gone, so he thought, and the artist got back to work including his first solo exhibition at the Frame and Print Shop in Chapel Hill.
“It’s such a joy to see someone who really getting inspiration for your artwork. Right? The message is a hope. It was always about hope,” said Tarasiuk.
And these days he’s holding on to hope even more because the cancer is back. He remembers the call.
“I was about to mix my colors here and I was lost, and I did too much, too much oil, mix it together. So, I had to use it all. So, I ended up being here late like I finished after midnight. But three pieces of hardware I came with was very interesting, but the first one has a name, “Don’t lose your hope,” Tarasuik said.
His hope, faith, community, and art will keep him alive as he waits for another miracle.
He’s scheduled for surgery at Duke to remove the cancer in late June
Like most migrants, the Tarasiuk and his family are living off the generosity of strangers, but he needs a more stable job, a car, and a house for his family as he fights cancer.
You can also stop by Tarasuik’s exhibit at the Frame & Print Shop in Chapel Hill through Tuesday, May 26th. His artwork can also be found here.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A longtime Wake County Democratic state representative announced his resignation from the North Carolina General Assembly on Sunday.
Rep. Joe John, who represented northwestern Wake County, shared news of his resignation in a letter posted to his Facebook page, after he said he received a terminal diagnosis for throat cancer from his doctors. John, 85, first stated publicly that he was diagnosed with throat cancer in early December.
“I hope my legacy will be one of dedication to the common good — working to build bridges, advocate for the voiceless, and fight for justice,” he said.
John was first elected as a state representative in 2016 and served four consecutive terms. His upcoming term would have been his fifth. Before serving in the legislature, John spent a large portion of his life in the judicial field — as a state appeals judge, superior court judge and district judge. He also served as the State of North Carolina Crime Laboratory’s director.
The Wake County Democratic Party will be in charge of choosing someone to fill John’s vacant seat.
John said in his letter that he plans to focus on his health and spend time with his family after resigning.
“If my time in office has made even a small difference in your lives, then I will leave this world knowing I’ve done my part,” John said.
Republican President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House on Monday, vowing swift action on a host of issues that could impact nearly every American — and could have a particularly profound effect on North Carolina’s economy.
Reporter : Kelsey Coffey
Photographer : Mark Olexik
Web Editor : Jessica Patrick
Posted
Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) officials announced on Sunday that they extended transitional sheltering assistance to families in western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene.
According to FEMA, residents and families receiving hotel lodging while looking for alternative housing will be allowed to stay in hotels until May 25, with hotel check-out on May 26.
“This is a positive development,” North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said on X. “I pledge to work with the new administration to support displaced North Carolinians and help folks recover.”
The extension comes after reports of people being kicked out of hotels FEMA provided.
“If any survivors still need housing assistance or feel their TSA eligibility ended in error, they should immediately call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362,” FEMA said on Monday.
If you were impacted by this situation and would like to share your experience with WRAL, go to wral.com/reportit.
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