Handcrafted Paintings Bring Hope to Cancer Patients at Morris Hospital
Sherah Stice, Radiation Therapist, was one of the artists behind the new Tree of Hope at the Radiation Therapy Center of Morris Hospital.
From welcome gift bags, to bouquets of daffodils, to graduation ceremonies on the last day of treatment, the staff at the Radiation Therapy Center of Morris Hospital is always coming up with unique ways to help support and encourage patients who are undergoing cancer treatment. The latest touch is the addition of three canvas paintings of trees that are now on display in a hallway that leads patients to the room where they undergo daily radiation treatment over a period of several weeks. The paintings were handcrafted by staff from the Morris Hospital Radiation Therapy Center.
Thumbprint impressions made by staff were turned into butterflies to signify their role in assisting patients with their cancer journey.
While the largest painting may seem stark in comparison to the other two that are vibrant with colorful leaves, that will change over time as patients are invited to add an impression of their thumbprint on a tree branch after completing their last treatment. The staff is calling it the Tree of Hope.
“So far, the patients have been really excited to be part of the Tree of Hope,” says Sherah Stice, Morris Hospital Radiation Therapist and the artist behind two of the paintings. “Cancer treatment is a long journey. We are always doing what we can to encourage our patients along the way,” she says, adding that patients are invited to date and initial their thumbprint if they choose.
The Radiation Therapy staff wanted to put their permanent mark on the Tree of Hope as well, so each of them added impressions of their thumbprints that were then turned into butterflies.
Two trees painted by staff at the Radiation Therapy Center are on display on either side of the Tree of Hope.
“We feel privileged to get to help our patients with their journey,” says Stice. “The Tree of Hope is just one more way we hope to help them move on to new beginnings as they complete their treatment.”
Located at 1600 W. US Route 6 in Morris, the Radiation Therapy Center of Morris Hospital provides cancer treatment using advanced radiotherapy technology that integrates imaging and radiation delivery to treat cancer with speed and accuracy. The Morris Hospital cancer program is accredited by The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, an indication that Morris Hospital has voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality cancer care and has undergone a rigorous evaluation process and review of performance.
