HONOLULU, Hawaii - Last month, patients, families and survivors participated in the seventh annual Oncology on Canvas at Tripler Army Medical Center, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children and Queens Medical Center. The participants at the Honolulu Hale, May 7 to see their work on display.
According to Dr. Pat Nishimoto, adult oncology clinical nurse specialist at Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC), about 300 pieces of art are on display at the Hale through the 23rd. The pieces will also be on display at Kahala Mall in June and TAMC through the beginning of July. Oncology on Canvas, when it started seven years ago, was much smaller, and has grown immensely.
“Our first year we had less than 60 pieces of art that was done,” she said. “This year we probably had more than 400 pieces. There are 300 pieces displayed, and about 100 of them went home with family members.”
Not only was the reception a way for the public to see the creations, it was an opportunity for Dr. Nishimoto to thank each participant, for her to reminisce on how the program was started.
“We started Oncology on Canvas because we knew that many of our patients and their family members, weren’t always to put in words all the things they were feeling and what they were going through,” she shared. “As nurses, we thought that we needed to know that, so we could help each and every one of you. We wanted you to come out of this stronger then when you went into it. That is our dream and our hope.”
Oncology on Canvas is not the only event cancer patients on Oahu can use as a means of art therapy. Jocelyn Chang, artist in residence at Queens Medical Center, as well as a thyroid cancer survivor, has a weekly event where patients can make jewelry or create with watercolors or acrylics.
“The whole premise of the program is to just help patients take their minds sometimes off of thinking about a cancer diagnosis and to help them discover their own creativity,” she said. “It relaxes them, takes their mind off of their cancer, they’re learning some new skills, and it’s been a great distraction for the patients. It’s been a wonderful experience for me and the patients love it they do fantastic artwork, they’re very proud of it, they’re enjoying it and I think it’s a blessing for all of them.”
When it comes to the importance of Oncology on Canvas, however, she wanted to share her thoughts on the event, “I’m just overwhelmed with everybody’s stories and beautiful art that was done at this Oncology on Canvas.”
Chang invited any cancer patient interested in her program to attend her weekly art programs, anyone interested can get information on this program through the Oncology Services department at Queens.
Not only is Oncology on Canvas important for the patients themselves, the family members, from young children to grown men have found it enjoyable and a special way to spend time with their loved ones.
U.S. Navy Lt. Patrick Farmer, who at the event, admitted he was more than hesitant to attend the past events, however, is glad his wife ensured his schedule was free to attend the event this year.
“My wife is a cancer patient at TAMC,” he said. “She wanted to do it for two years … [but] things came up and I was able to escape it. This year I had to go, there’s no way out of it, so I went, begrudgingly and it was awesome, I really enjoyed it. The fellowship was fantastic … everything was just a very encouraging.”
The siblings of the patients were also excited to be able to have the time with their family members, especially for Zachary Tyrrell, whose sister Haley is a patient, being treated for medulloblastoma, cancer of the brain and spinal cord.
“I enjoy doing Oncology on Canvas because arts and crafts are one of her favorite things to do,” he said. “I enjoy painting with her, because she spreads a lot of joy and she’s very creative.”
The creations will be displayed at the Honolulu Hale throughout the 23rd of this month, at Kahala Mall in June and at TAMC at the end of June through July.
| Date Taken: |
05.07.2013 |
| Date Posted: |
05.09.2013 22:42 |
| Story ID: |
106695 |
| Location: |
HONOLULU, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: |
252 |
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0 |
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This work, Oncology on Canvas on display, by PO1 Cynthia Clark, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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