FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 26, 2017
THE ART OF MEDICINE SHOWS THE HEALING POWER OF THE ARTS
An event to showcase how the arts can be used to enhance patient care and well-being
will be held next week.
The Art of Medicine takes place on Monday, May 29 at St. Theresa’s Parish Centre in
Sydney. It runs from 7-9 p.m. and is organized by the Cape Breton Cancer Centre.
“The Cancer Centre has undertaken a number of projects that use the arts-visual,
musical, literary and horticultural-to help our patients contend with their illness and to
help others better understand the lived experience of being ill,” says Tom McNeil,
Medical Social Worker with the Cancer Centre. “The Art of Medicine is an opportunity to
showcase some of what has been going on.”
This year, the Art of Medicine will again highlight the work of Write On! , a creative
writing group which consists of Paul MacDougall and cancer patients.
Another project being highlighted is Shelly Allen’s music therapy group. The group will
perform rearrangements of popular songs. Also featured is the photography of Paula
Graham, a participant in last year’s Art of Living program.
“We hope people will come away from the Art of Medicine more attentive to the
patient’s voice as we try to understand the illness experience,” says McNeil. “The arts
can encourage that voice. We just have to listen.”
McNeil adds that the event wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Cape
Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, the Cancer Centre, volunteers, Paul MacDougall,
Shelly Allen and most importantly, the patients who share their stories through art.
Art of Medicine is free, with a goodwill offering at the door. Seating is limited so
register early. To register, contact 902-567-8074.
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The event agenda is attached with this release.
Media Contact: Tom McNeil, Medical Social Worker, 902-567-8551
AGENDA: The Art of Medicine
Healing the Wounds of Illness
Opening Remarks Tom McNeil
The Long and Winding
Road to Health and
Happiness: Musical selections by music therapy participants
Picturing Peace-How
Art Helped Me Heal Paula Graham
Break
A selection of works by Write On!
• The Engineer - Kathy MacDonald
• Fire, Fire – Eva Burke
• Family – Katannya Kayler
• Tenants - Katannya Kayler
• The Day on Doucette’s Road – Alma Donovan
Closing Sentences Paul MacDougall
Final Thoughts Tom McNeil
I Can See Clearly Now
Hallelujah