After mother, Angelina Jolie loses aunt to breast cancer

Angelina Jolie's aunt dies from breast cancer

Angelina Jolie's beloved aunt Debbie died after a battle with breast cancer on Sunday morning (26.05.13) in California.

The 'Salt' actress - who recently revealed she underwent a double mastectomy after she was identified as carrying the BRCA1 cancer gene, which gave her an 87 per cent chance of developing breast cancer and a 50 per cent risk of ovarian cancer - and her family are in mourning after her aunt Debbie Martin, 61, passed away at Palomar Hospital in Escondido, California on Sunday morning (26.05.13).

The Oscar-winner's uncle Ron Martin confirmed the sad news and praised the 37-year-old star and her brother James Haven for their support.

He told E! News: "Angelina has been in touch throughout the week and her brother Jamie has been with us, giving his support day by day. They both loved Debbie very much and although Angie is not able to come right now she has sent her love and support, which was very nice.

"We have seen Angelina a number of times since Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer and Debbie and I were both very proud of her recent decision to have the double mastectomy and to do everything she can to keep her family from having to go through what we've been through.

"Angelina's father Jon Voight has also been tremendously supportive - he came down to see Debbie last Sunday and spent the whole day, talking with her and sharing his love and I know Debbie really enjoyed seeing him and talking with him."

Debbie is survived by her husband Ron and their two sons Chris and Cory Martin.

While the star has praised her mother - who passed away in 2007 after being diagnosed eight year earlier - it is reported Debbie's brother Raleigh died of cancer two years later, while Angelina's grandmother Lois Bertrand and great-grandmother Virginia Gouwens were also tragically claimed by the disease.
 

Post surgery, topless Angelina Jolie art to be auctioned

Hollywood star Angelina Jolie is the subject of Swedish artist Johan Andersson's latest oil painting that features the actress in a topless posture post her double mastectomy.
 
The 37-year-old's portrait will soon go under the hammer and proceeds from the sale will be donated to a nonprofit organisation to support peace campaigns in Congo, reported Ace showbiz.
 
It is expected to fetch around USD 22,000 (Approx. Rs 12,19,000). ArtBelow, the gallery selling the painting says proceeds from the sale will be donated to 'Falling Whistles' to support campaigns for peace in the Congo, a cause which Jolie herself is very passionate about.
 
Andersson says he could relate to Jolie's story because he too lost his mother to cancer.
 
"My mother had aggressive breast cancer when I was 15. The thought of her having to have a mastectomy really scared me and she was fortunate enough to have surgery without the mastectomy," Andersson said.
 
"The recent news about Angelina stirred an anxiety within me leading me to paint the portrait. There is an underlying awkwardness in her demeanour in juxtaposition to the natural beauty of her face,"
 
Andersson added. He is also known for his posthumous portrait of Amy Winehouse.

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