About Us

 The Pink Journey was founded in August 2007 by Joanne Clurman, a 14 year survivor of Breast Cancer.  Her journey started in October 1993 when faced with those much dreaded words that every woman fears, “you have breast cancer”.

 Joanne's path to survival began with a double mastectomy, double tram-flap reconstruction and 3 months of heavy doses of chemotherapy.  Her treatments were met with much fear and anxiety when she entered that dreaded padded cargo elevator that took her down to a concrete basement of long cold tunnels.  At the end of the tunnels in the back of the hospital, away from the rest of the world, was the treatment area.  No windows, no flowers, no plants and broken lounge chairs.  Her first impression was that she was hidden from the rest of the world with no return in sight.    

 Through the journey she made a quilt that told her story of survival with Breast Cancer.  It gives hope and comfort to those faced with the much dreaded disease.  It has given a secret message for those who are afraid and lost in the emotional pain.  The quilt is named “Secret Tears” and hangs in the Breast Center in Annapolis.  The spotlights give grace to the sparkles she put into the quilt.  The quilt gives comfort and hope for those faced with Breast Cancer; and gives a special secret message for those who are afraid while on their journey to the unknown. 

The Secret Tears quilt was left behind by Joanne, along with the memories, when she moved away eleven years ago to heal her heart, body and spirit.  Six years later, the quilt magically reappeared back into her life through stories told to her by others. Stories of comfort and hope; given to women who had seen it.  She learned that the quilt had actually saved someone’s life.  And it had been from a woman she had known years earlier that didn’t know Joanne had made the quilt that had saved her life.   People have come from all over the world to see the Secret Tears quilt and to take pictures to share with others.  She heard that women would sit and hum to the song “SMILE”, which she had used in the quilt, while they waited to be seen by their doctor.   Joanne had no idea that “Secret Tears” had touched so many lives for all those years. 

 Today, Joanne has reached into her pockets again, to pull out a handful of sparkles.  As she blows the sparkles into the air, her special touch has sprinkled throughout her works of art in quilt making.  Each quilt is filled with the spirit of healing and warmth to get you through your journey.  With each quilt made, there’s a special message on the back from her heart to yours.  It comes on sparkled wings of spirit for your Pink Journey and a smile to get you through it. 

Joanne still resides in Virginia, where she went to heal eleven years ago.  Her quaint little house sits on a small river surrounded by woods.  Her journey to survival has given her the spirit to move on and to help others get through their journey with Breast Cancer.  It certainly shows in her beautiful work of art quilts of pink.