Kaiser Permanente cancer patients engage in art therapy at Oncology on Canvas event.
Cancer patients, families, survivors and medical staff gathered at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center today for Oncology on Canvas, an annual event funded by the Oncology Nursing Society Hawaii Chapter. Participants of all ages had the opportunity to draw, paint and write about their journeys, from diagnosis to treatment and healing. Attendees also connected with a network of other oncology patients, families and staff to discuss shared experiences and inspire others going through similar journeys.
“It’s wonderful to help patients, former patients and their families process the emotion and feelings of their cancer journey in a very creative way,” said Diane Leilani Pierce, RN, BSN, oncology clinic manager at Moanalua Medical Center. “We see many people who are unable to express themselves with words find their voice and connect with others through art.”
Originally modeled after the international Lilly Oncology on Canvas biennial art competition, Oncology on Canvas was brought to the islands by the Oncology Nursing Society in 2007, allowing patients and their families to share stories and support each other through art therapy. Art created from the event will be displayed in the oncology department at Moanalua Medical Center.
