A writer living in San Francisco, Ms. Morse's mother and grandmother both died of breast cancer while in their fifties. Today, at age 59, Ms. Morse notes that she lives with the reality of the disease and tries to find joy in each day with support from her family.

Thoughts:

My mask represents the fire in all women who, on hearing the dreaded phrase, "you have breast cancer," start looking inward for strength. This fire has many faces — anger, hope and the dying embers that signify acceptance and, above all, love. Yes, we need the fire of courage, patience and empowerment, but most of all, we need humor. For when all else fails, it's laughter that's the ultimate panacea. Thus the insect — it "noze."