Contributors Bring Healing Arts to Cancer Patients

Volunteer Julia Ellis moves through the Cancer Care of the Cascades clinic in Redmond with a watchful eye. First plucking a paintbrush from the hand of a dozing patient, Julia then coaxes a recent arrival to give painting a try. Her work is part of a new program to provide a healing outlet for patients receiving treatment at St. Charles Health System's medical oncology clinic in Redmond.

Funded by St. Charles Foundation contributors, the art therapy program supports the clinic's aim to surround patients with compassion and a healing environment while providing top-notch clinical care. The art program is the brainchild of community members who wanted to use creativity to support patients and promote healing.

Clinic patients can spend up to eight hours confined to a chair while receiving treatment. Project organizers developed an activity that participants could easily do with one hand while undergoing care. Volunteers prepare fabric squares with a variety of patterns. Patients paint the squares to create their own unique artwork. When enough squares are completed, volunteer quilters assemble the decorated squares into inspiring works of art.

The art program provides an emotional release for patients who are experiencing stressful situations. Volunteer leader Julia Ellis has seen this first hand. "One patient was upset and wanted no part of painting. I suggested she try bold, expressive strokes,"Julia said. "Once she got started she loved it. Each week that she painted she became happier and more relaxed."

In May 2009 St. Charles Health System opened the Cancer Care of the Cascades clinic on the St. Charles Redmond campus to provide easier access to medical oncology treatment services for patients in Redmond and the surrounding communities.

Clinic patient and program participant Trish Johnson enjoys having the health services she needs close to her home in Crooked River Ranch. She has also found the clinic's art program to be a positive outlet. "Having a clinic in Redmond is great," Trish said. "Painting passes the time, and it was fun to try something different. The completed quilts are wonderful."

Carrie McMackin, director of Cancer Care of the Cascades, is pleased to offer the expanded services, and she's impressed with the results she's seen from the art program. "The shared experience of creating the quilts is very therapeutic for our patients," she said.

Additional volunteers are needed at both the Redmond and Bend clinics. An art background is helpful but not required. The program also seeks groups to assist with quilting. Please contact the St. Charles Foundation at 541-706-6996 to get involved.