When Marcia O’Donovan underwent treatment for lymphoma, she says it was art that rested her soul.
"It really does make a huge difference," she said, "in regaining your strength and spirit."
It’s because cancer knocks you so low, she said. It makes you realize you can’t do this on your own. It makes patients and caregivers alike realize, "We can’t fix it with just medicine," O’Donovan said.
This is why UNMC and Nebraska Medicine started the campus-wide Healing Arts Program, which was debuted at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center opening.
"Healing requires more than just treating the patient medically," said Kenneth Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. "Our program is designed to enhance the patient experience. Studies have shown that creating an atmosphere of hope and resilience through artwork goes beyond curing a disease and leads to improved patient outcomes. Patients, visitors and staff all benefit from this environment."
The Chihuly Sanctuary, given by Suzanne and Walter Scott, is a cornerstone of this environment. In all, the Healing Arts Program includes more than 200 pieces of original works of art throughout the building. The program eventually will extend across the medical center campus, to the benefit of patients, students, faculty and staff.
The Healing Arts Program is part of UNMC’s campuswide initiative to reduce the outcome and stigma associated with stress, burnout and mental illness, and provide services to those experiencing distress.
UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., said art is merely a component of this initiative – but a big one. "The arts have proven to be a powerful ally in the fight against illness and the toll it takes on patients, family and friends, as well as those who care for patients with cancer and other serious illnesses.
"Art can truly heal."
Dr. Gold noted that several studies have shown that art can lead to reduced pain perception, anxiety, stress, loneliness and depression. It can positively improve fatigue levels, and offer patients and caregivers a safe space.
It can create a less intimidating atmosphere and restore a patient’s sense of control.
O’Donovan agreed. She is a quilter and a sewer. She’s also experimented with other types of art to help her get through tough times.
And, as Drs. Gold and Cowan said, art can similarly affect their champions and caregivers, who, day after day, year after year, throw themselves into the battle against cancer. They are there for patients in their lowest moments, O’Donovan said. O’Donovan said she can only imagine how it affects caregivers to deliver the kind of diagnoses no one should have to hear.
Leslie’s Healing Garden provide patients a quiet, stress-reducing environment that improves a sense of well-being.
Those who work at the medical center need art’s healing touch, too.
Like the Nebraska Medicine OB/GYN nurses, who come over to the cancer center on breaks, in the middle of the night, and sit in the Chihuly Sanctuary.
There, inside the immersive light-glass-color space and exhibit created by internationally-known, Seattle-based artist, Dale Chihuly, the nurses rest, reflect and recharge. They bask in the artwork, and then, they get back to work.
Another healing arts centerpiece at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is an outdoor, all-season garden – Leslie's Healing Garden – created with support from Marshall and Mona Faith, longtime supporters of the Omaha community. It is named after one of their daughters, Leslie, who lost her battle with pediatric cancer at age 2 ½, approximately 60 years ago.
The healing garden, which has heated walkways for the cold Nebraska winters, serves as a place where patients and their families can visit to escape the realities of cancer and spend time outside enjoying the flowers and pine trees. Just as Leslie loved to do.
"I think of all the moms that this space will benefit and what a blessing it will be," Mona Faith said.
The 82-foot-tall ‘Search’ tower by Jun Kaneko lights the night sky as a beacon of hope.
New art forms by Chihuly.
As Faith said, this space, and other commissioned works of art – from such renowned artists as Rob Ley, Suzy Taekyung Kim, Matt Placzek, Mary Zicafoose and Jennifer Steinkamp – will be a tremendous benefit for family members who are facing incredible challenges.
But, the benefits of the cancer center’s healing art are available to everyone on campus. Faculty. Staff. Students having tough days.
Art in the cancer center, and all across campus, can make a difference.
"That feeling of, ‘Wow,’ is, I think, really important for all of us, once in a while, to feel," said Omaha-based, internationally-known artist Jun Kaneko.
That feeling can help us handle stress, stave off burnout and perhaps even increase our resiliency.
The resiliency needed to withstand a cancer treatment, better support a loved one, give the best care possible, or get through medical school.
Kaneko’s "Search" tower, gifted by an anonymous donor in honor of Dr. Cowan, rises from a roundabout outside the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center’s front door.
"Search" is 82 feet tall, with colorful glass that lights up the night sky. Patients, looking out the windows of their rooms, will see it. People driving down Saddle Creek Road will see it.
O'Donovan hopes that the healing arts of the cancer center will reach out into the greater world.
"How perfect it is for people of all faiths to come here to refresh, inspire and lift the human spirit."
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Public tours of the Healing Arts Collection are available.