From the moment someone receives a cancer diagnosis, they're a cancer survivor.
Just ask Kim Giarratano, who is battling the disease with the help of Lutheran Medical Center.
"All the people around me at Lutheran have helped me fight and be my support," she said. "I also have my nephews Ethan, Zack and Max to help me."
On July 29, Giarratano and other cancer patients, as well as hospital staff and visitors, had the chance to add color to Lutheran with the help of PaintFest America.
PaintFest is a nationwide tour, sponsored by the Foundation for Hospital Art, making stops in all 50 states. The tour focuses on cancer communities and channels the healing power of art.
"The foundation was started by my father, who started volunteering at a hospital in the 1970s," said Scott Feight, the foundation's executive director. "Since its creation, we've been to 195 different countries and donated 44,000 paintings to more than 4,000 health care facilities."
Participants were supplied with a variety of murals in a paint-by-numbers style. Cancer patients also painted a unique state-specific panel, which will be added to the 50-state mural "Stars of Hope" to be assembled in New York on the final day of the tour.
Colorado Community Media joined Wheat Ridge Mayor Joyce Jay, Jefferson County Commissioner Casey Tighe and Miss Colorado, Shannon Patilla, at the event. Here are some of the best things we heard:
. "No one chooses to be a cancer patient, but we're very happy we were to chosen as the hospital to host this event for patients and survivors. We diagnose around 800 patients here a year, and every diagnosis is life-changing."
. "These events are for the people, for the patients. We're raising awareness, and bringing together cancer patients and survivors, because cancer touches everyone."
"Lutheran is part of our community, and not just a place to go when you're having a bad time. It's part of us, and I'm continually amazed at how the hospital continues to expand in health fields."
"This is a celebration of life and the energy it takes to fight back."
from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/PaintFest-stops-at-Lutheran,233100
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