Healing through art

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.

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve more than 12.2 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health.