Filmmaker Spike Lee Buys Life-Sized Paintings by Cancer Patient Who Turned to Art to Cope With Diagnosis: See His Incredible Creations

Overman is a father of two who worked as a DJ and music producer until one night in 2019 when he found himself unable to move in bed.

He was rushed to the hospital where doctors diagnosed him with sepsis, which is the body's response to an infection. Further tests revealed he had thyroid cancer.

The thyroid produces hormones that regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight. For treatment, Overman had his thyroid removed, followed by radiation and other medications.

Overman admitted it was difficult for him to cope with his diagnosis.

"It was like it took away my ability to cope with the world. I was very sensitive to everything I struggled to sit at the table and have dinner with my own family," he said.

While undergoing treatment, Overman reconnected with his childhood love of painting, and over time he realized it helped ease his mindset and anxieties.

"It was very calming. The process of painting was very helpful to me, and working towards a goal. I felt like I was achieving something," he explained.

@king.overman

Making a lifesize painting of David Robinson, start to finish. 🏀 A San Antonio Spurs legend standing at 7ft 1 all. #nba #basketballedits #spursnation #nbahistory #basketballart #sanantoniospurs

♬ original sound – Frank Michael Smith

As a basketball fan, Overman focused many of his life-sized portraits on famous NBA basketball players from Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryan to Dominique Wilkins. He credits his niece for encouraging him to showcase his works of art on TikTok. 

And his posts went viral, gaining tons of traction online.

"I started posting videos and realizing people all over the world were interested some of them had millions of views," Overman said.

Among Overman's fans were award-winning filmmaker Spike Lee, who reached out to the cancer warrior and ordered five of his paintings.

Lee, who cemented his directing career with “Do the Right Thing,” is also known for “Malcolm X,” “She’s Gotta Have It,” and “BlacKkKlansman.”

"I couldn't believe it. I was so excited. I'm a huge fan I grew up with all that late 80s hip-hop culture," Overman said.

A subject of one of Overman's portraits, NBA All-Star Dominique Wilkins, also reached out to purchase a portrait.

"I just feel really lucky. I love doing it," Overman said.

@king.overman Painting a life-size AI 👑 #nba #art #basketball #nbaart #alleniverson #michaeljordan #ballislife #nbaart #76ersbasketball #basketballart #bball ♬ original sound – Hoopwise

Understanding Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is a growth of abnormal cells that starts in the thyroid, which is located at the base of the neck and produces hormones that regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight, Mayo Clinic described.

Most thyroid cancer types grow slowly, and most can be cured with treatment. However, tumors can still grow and metastasize, meaning it spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck and other parts of the body, which would require more treatment.

Thyroid Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors

Thyroid cancer risk factors include exposure to high levels of radiation, being female, and certain inherited genetic syndromes.

Thyroid cancer may not cause symptoms at first but, as the cancer grows more prominent, signs become apparent for people impacted.

Symptoms can include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Voice changes
• Swelling in your neck
• Lump felt through the skin on your neck
• Pain in your neck

WATCH: Maintaining a Positive Headspace.

Finding Joy During Cancer Journey

Overman's cancer journey helped steer him to painting which brings him joy and positivity. SurvivorNet experts say a positive attitude is an important component for cancer warriors while battling cancer.

Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecologic oncologist at UCLA Health, says that emotional health and good quality of life is associated with better survival and better outcomes.

"So definitely working on your emotional health, your physical well-being, your social environment, your emotional well-being, definitely working on those things and making them better are important and can impact your survival," Dr. Chase told SurvivorNet.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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