Dec 11, 2012 2 min read

Monongahela Valley Hospital is displaying 25 works of art from the national “Expressions of a Cancer Journey” collection on the second floor of the Charles L. and Rose Sweeney Melenyzer Pavilion and Regional Cancer Center through Jan. 4.

A Chinese auction of 18 baskets will be held simultaneously through Dec. 21 to aid MVH cancer patients who cannot afford nutritional supplements and other critical services. Basket winners will be drawn at 1 p.m. Dec. 21.

Staff from MVH’s Mon-Vale Oncology, Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology departments organized both events.

“I can’t really describe the feelings I had when I first saw these paintings done by those affected by cancer,” said Bonny Holmes, supervisor of Mon-Vale Oncology. “When I read the stories behind these paintings from cancer patients and their families, I knew it had to be shared with our patients so they would recognize they are not alone.

“Throughout my life, I have lost several family members to cancer, including my father, who was 42 years young – when I was 19 years old. I have experienced the challenges of cancer and how it affects one’s life and the lives of their families and loved ones.

“I also see it here, at the hospital, every day with our cancer patients. When Mon-Vale Oncology was presented with this opportunity, it touched us all very deeply.”

Lilly Oncology On Canvas’ “Expressions of a Cancer Journey” is a nationwide art competition and exhibition presented by Lilly Oncology and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, which advocates for quality cancer care for all Americans.

The mixed-media art exhibit honors the journeys faced when individuals, their families and the health-care professionals who aid in cancer treatment are confronted with a cancer diagnosis.

Each entry contains a written caption expressing the life-affirming changes that give their cancer journey meaning. Every entry is unique and inspiring, showing how cancer has affected so many lives in so many ways.