September 26, 2006

Laughter Is the Breast Medicine

“Cancer Vixen,” by Marisa Acocella Marchetto

Let’s say you live the fabulous only in New York (and the movies) version of life, publishing cartoons in The New Yorker.

And let’s say that after years of being single, you’re about to marry an adoring Italian who happens to be the city’s It restaurateur.

And let’s say that three weeks before your wedding, you’re diagnosed with breast cancer.

What do you do?

If you’re Marisa Acocella Marchetto, you do what you’re best at and create a gorgeous, hilarious graphic memoir about getting sick, getting mad, getting married, and kicking cancer’s ass.

Cancer Vixen documents Marchetto’s adventures in chemo, kabbalah, and recovery, which she does with the help of her fiancé, several BFFs, and her magnificently bossy diva mom.

This is no gloomy autobiography. Marchetto is witty, self-aware, and totally free of self-pity. Though Cancer Vixen has its tear-jerking moments, more often than not it’ll have you crying with laughter.

And for every copy sold, Marchetto will donate a percentage of her royalties to provide care for underprivileged women at the Comprehensive Cancer Center, affiliated with Saint Vincent’s Hospital Manhattan, and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Because when it comes to healthy breasts, there’s nothing like good support.

 
Available online at amazon.com.