VCU To Unveil Collage Of Cancer Patients’ Art Work

By Malorie Burkett and Michala Smith

Staff and patients from the bone marrow transplant unit at Virginia Commonwealth University's Massey Cancer Center will unveil a mosaic that narrates the emotional journey of treatment and recovery.  

The project, called Mosaic of Hope, will be revealed Friday, Feb. 16 at 10:30 a.m. in the VCU Massey Cancer Center's bone marrow transplant unit, North Hospital, 401 College St.

The exhibit is a collection of tiles painted by staff and patients and will be displayed on the unit as a way to honor both the individual and shared journey of patients and caregivers.

Early in their treatment, each patient is given a blank tile on which they can illustrate the emotional journey of healing.

"Mosaic of Hope will show patients embarking on this long and complex road to recovery that they are not alone," said John McCarty, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine and director of the bone marrow transplant unit. "Others have taken this journey and are living better, healthier lives."

The Mosaic of Hope is sponsored by the Massey Alliance – a group of young professionals that supports the VCU Massey Cancer Center through volunteerism, community outreach and fundraising, in partnership with Work of Art, a paint-your-own pottery studio in Midlothian. Owner Kristin Blalock is donating materials and the firing of the tiles.