THE ART OF MEDICINE SHOWS THE HEALING POWER OF THE ARTS

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