Emily Lahey, a 31-year-old Sydney artist living with NUT carcinoma, is using her art to raise awareness and spark reflection about life’s preciousness. In her project, titled ‘Time to Live’, she’s auctioning her time to strangers. The event features a large projection counting down from three minutes, symbolizing the fleeting nature of their shared moments.
Lahey aims to shed light on the emotional and psychological challenges of living with a terminal illness, as well as the importance of ongoing cancer research. Her goal is to encourage participants to contemplate what truly matters in their lives.
“Everything comes and goes in waves. It’s like being on a constant rollercoaster,” Lahey shared. “There were times I struggled to look beyond the next day or week. As time goes on, I’m gaining a bit more confidence to look towards the end of the year.”
Despite facing a terminal diagnosis, Lahey approaches each day with gratitude, highlighting the value of time. She feels that cancer, although Australia’s leading cause of death according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), is often dismissed as something that won’t impact individuals or their loved ones.
“Time is incredibly valuable,” she emphasized.
While doctors cannot predict how much time Lahey has left, her project reminds us all to cherish every moment.
What is NUT carcinoma?
NUT carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer. It’s characterized by a genetic mutation in the NUT (Nuclear Protein in Testis) gene. This cancer mainly affects the midline structures of the body, including the head, neck, and chest, but can occur in other areas as well. It is known for its rapid progression and poor prognosis.
Despite the challenges, Lahey’s ‘Time to Live’ project serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of both living in the present and advocating for research to combat cancer’s devastating impact.
