Breast cancer is insidious and isolating. It is also inspiring.

To mark the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ArtsUnited Gallery on Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors opened an exhibit to a packed house on Saturday. Dozens of artists, many of them fighting or survivors of breast cancer shared their work and their stories.

One artist, first diagnosed 32 years ago, said the cancer had recently returned. Her powerful work belied her quiet demeanor as she implored everyone, women and men, to get screened regularly.

The types of art ranged from collage and paint on canvas to photography and even an haute couture dress that would stand out at any major fashion week.

Local personality FayWhat?! judged the works and shared her cancer story, which started more than five years ago.

“Like many of you probably know, I felt like my body was against me. I felt like the world was turned against me. I decided to have a double mastectomy and I think it was probably the smartest thing I ever did.”

Fay said having a support system made up of her wife, family, and friends helped her get through the trials. “They were all with me through what was the hardest time of my life.”

In the gallery’s front room is a photograph taken by Dennis Dean. Titled Wrapped in Strength, it shows Fay wrapped in a pink ribbon, the symbol of breast cancer awareness and support.

The exhibit runs through the end of the month.