Three organizations recently sponsored the 13th annual “Visions of Hope: Expressions of a Cancer Journey” exhibit opening reception at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), recognizing art as a way to ease the burden of illness.
The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center and UAB Arts in Medicine teamed up with Lilly Oncology on Canvas to sponsor the annual display.
Individuals affected by cancer include not just patients and survivors but also their wider circles of families, caretakers and practitioners, according to a university announcement.
“Therapeutic art is an excellent way for patients, survivors and families to cope with the trauma of cancer diagnosis,” Teri Hoenemeyer, who directs education and support services at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, said in the announcement. “We’re really excited to be able to share this opportunity as a way to honor a loved one, a friend or a patient, or just to celebrate life.”
Creative endeavors help patients channel and share their experiences and emotions surrounding their illness. Artwork rendered by entrants can be viewed in various UAB locations.
Lilly launched its therapeutic art program — Lilly Oncology on Canvas — in 2004 to help patients process the emotional components of dealing with cancer in partnership with the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS). Entries are submitted every two years by U.S. and Puerto Rico residents.
