WATCH ABOVE: A cancer diagnosis affects every part of a patient and their family’s life. Quinn Ohler has more on a special art program at the Cross Cancer Institute that’s helping in the process.
EDMONTON — Art is proving to be therapeutic for many of those impacted by cancer.
The Cross Cancer Institute’s Arts in Medicine/Healing Arts program encourages patients and their family members to use creative expression to address the feelings that come with a cancer diagnosis.
“Our Arts and Medicine program kind of spans the spectrum of therapeutic art and art is therapy,” explains Art Therapist Marie Butler. “We have to define that because some people want to come and be together in their cancer journeys.”
“Just being together is deeply meaningful because cancer is a very isolating illness.”
Classes offer a variety of art disciplines such as painting, weaving, harp and sculpting.
Corinna Spaziani and her two young daughters are taking part in the program. Spaziani’s husband recently passed away from brain cancer after a three-year battle. She says the program has been extremely beneficial for her and her girls.
“I think it helped them immensely. It helped me immensely.
“I don’t know where I would be without that help.”
The program is open to anyone impacted by cancer. Some participants stay involved for several years.
Butler says her role is different than other positions in health care because of the personal relationships she develops.
“You get to know people differently. Maybe I get to know people…actually I won’t say a lot better but there’s a lot more attachment I would say because we journey with people here for years.”
The program is funded by the Alberta Cancer Foundation and is also offered at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary.
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