Cancer survivors, their family members, and members of their care community took to the pavement recently in Morton Grove to create a message of hope.
City of Hope Cancer Center Chicago, a leader in cancer research and treatment and the area’s only cancer-focused hospital system, unveiled its Artistic Expressions of Hope, a chalk art initiative at its North Shore Center in Morton Grove at 9300 Waukegan Road on Wednesday, July 8.
Artistic Expressions of Hope seeks to honor the survivorship journey of the two million Americans diagnosed with cancer every year and raise awareness about the benefits of creative arts therapies for people with cancer.
The July 8 program featured unique street art pieces made live on-site by local artists whose lives have been impacted by cancer.
“These installations honor the strength of survivors, celebrate the human spirit, and remind patients and families that they are not alone,” City of Hope Chicago president Pete Govorchin said.
Artist Ebony Sade said her art piece is a tribute to her Aunt, diagnosed with both breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
“My piece reflects the two forms of cancer my Aunt experienced during her cancer journey with two intertwining ribbons; her 36 treatments are represented by 36 butterflies, and the praying hands at the center honor her faith, always inspiring me to look up and stay strong,” Sade said.
The Morton Grove City of Hope event kicked off the Artistic Expressions of Hope series, held at City of Hope Cancer Centers throughout the Chicagoland area from July 8 to July 11.
According to Govorchin, this initiative comes at a remarkable moment in the fight against cancer when more people are surviving and living longer than ever before. Of Americans diagnosed with cancer, 70 % are surviving at least five years. Even as outcomes continue to improve, there is growing recognition of the need to support the emotional well-being of those navigating cancer. Research highlighting the benefits of creative arts therapies shows that they can significantly reduce anxiety and depression while also improving overall quality of life for cancer survivors.
“At City of Hope, we are committed to treating the whole person, and this initiative brings that commitment to life in a powerful and visible way,” Govorchin said.
City of Hope Cancer patient, Valerie Suchor of Skokie, attended Wednesday’s program and says that as part of her treatment she underwent chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy.
“My creativity takes the form of painting, and I don’t think of my art as therapy,” Suchor said.
“When I paint, it takes me someplace else,” Suchor added. “Working on a painting over many months, it absorbs all my senses and takes over some of the worry, allowing me to bring something positive into the world.”
Dr. Marlon Kleinman, M.D., a hematologist-oncologist and City of Hope Cancer Center North Shore physician, says, a patient with cancer is challenged beyond the disease itself into peoplehood, because cancer can threaten your sense of self.
“Art can express what words cannot, and patients I encounter who develop this means of expression, can often use it as a pipeline to regain emotional power, or as a tool to deal with uncertainty,” Kleinman said.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
