Cincinnati Children's Blog
  • Y&H Podcast
  • Newsletter Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Healthy Living
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Heart Conditions
  • Learning and Growing
  • Research and Discoveries
  • Blog
  • Healthy Living
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Heart Conditions
  • Learning and Growing
  • Research and Discoveries
  • Y&H Podcast
  • Newsletter Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us
HOME/Cancer and Blood Diseases/A Spectacular Display of Collaboration, Healing, and Artwork

A Spectacular Display of Collaboration, Healing, and Artwork

 

May 1, 2013
Blog Editorial Team
0 Comments

The recently renovated outpatient centers of the Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (CBDI) are a spectacular sight.  The beautiful lighting, bright colors, clean lines, and artwork. But what’s even more spectacular is the thought and planning behind its creation.

It all started with a little girl named Katie.  Katie was a young cancer patient whose favorite animal was monkeys. Her mother, Anne Boat, now an anesthesiologist and patient experience officer at Cincinnati Children’s, set out 10 years ago to bring some color and joy to the CBDI clinic space where they spent the bulk of their time. She commissioned artist Pam Kravetz and some teen apprentices to design a jungle-themed mural, fondly referred to as Katie’s Kingdom, which enlivened the A5 clinic space for 10 years. Back then, Anne was a doctor-mom trying to adapt to her new role as a cancer-mom and realized Cincinnati Children’s could do more to make life more manageable for families caring for their children in the hospital.  In other words, she was the impetus for what is now our hallmark:  family-centered care.

Fast forward 10 years and it was time for the CBDI outpatient centers to be renovated for a better patient experience.  Because Katie’s legacy goes far beyond the aesthetic features of the space, the CBDI leadership promised to keep her memory alive in the renovation. A team of patients, families, staff and artists were enlisted to help plan the space.  The idea was to create an environment that helps care for the medical, social, psychological and emotional needs of patients and families and reflects the range of emotions they experience. Artwork, it was determined, is a great way to accomplish some of those goals.

As you’ll see in the following photos, the nature theme was carried throughout all of the outpatient centers. Bringing nature’s healing and sustaining power indoors is important for patients who are often confined inside during care.

The pediatric waiting room has bright colors, natural light, kid furniture and an adaptation of the Katie’s Kingdom mural.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The playful jungle theme continues to the nurses station…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and the recovery rooms…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and patient rooms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On each of the Adolescent and Adult Center doors, there are leaves inscribed with a word selected by families to provide an uplifting message – dream, live, cherish, smile, beauty, strength, happiness, believe, love, courage, hope, kindness, and compassion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four local artists, in collaboration with Artworks, led seven art-making workshops with approximately 260 patients, families and staff members to create artwork for the Adolescent and Adult Center. The idea was to provide an opportunity for those that spend so much time in the space to be a part of its creation and beautification. The result is a welcoming, calming, and hopeful environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a closer look at each of the artists’ work and their approach to incorporating ideas and talents from patients, families, and staff into their art.

The exquisite paintings of Megan Triantafillou incorporate reverse print markings made by patients to reflect their feelings of courage, love, and strength.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The whimsical quilted compositions of Pam Kravetz were inspired by stories shared with her by patients and families, incorporating their favorite colors and elements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The inspirational clay sculpture of Cheryl Pannabecker includes leaves and river tiles inscribed by patients. The changing seasons symbolize their personal growth and progress.

 

 

Related Articles

 

Childhood Cancer Survivors: Questions To Ask When Ready to Start A Family
 

Chevy and Katie: Best Friends Through Cancer Treatment
 

My Child Was Diagnosed With Cancer – Now What?
 

The Challenges of Cancer Therapy in Adolescents and Young Adults
TAGS:
  • cancer
  • main campus

About the author: Blog Editorial Team

Our editorial team works with experts, patients and families at Cincinnati Children’s to bring you important information that we hope helps you navigate the complex world of parenting.

Write A Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

No Comments Yet

Topics

  • Cancer and Blood Diseases
  • Child Development and Behavior
  • Childhood Obesity
  • Chronic Care Networks
  • Cincinnati Walks for Kids
  • Featured Faces
  • Fetal Conditions
  • Fitness and Nutrition
  • Food Allergies
  • Ghana 2012
  • Health Care Public Policy
  • Health Care Quality
  • Health Care Reform
  • Healthy Living
  • Heart Conditions
  • Hospital Operations
  • Learning and Growing
  • Nurses Week 2012
  • Patient Family Experience
  • Patient Flow
  • Patient Safety
  • Pin of the Week
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Research and Discoveries
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Share Your Story
  • Technology
  • The Young & Healthy Podcast
  • Uncategorized
  • Vaccines
  • Volunteerism
  • What's New
See All Topics
See Less Topics

Subscribe

Subscribe today to our family newsletter for tips, blog posts, podcasts and more.

Subscribe Now

Popular Posts

  • 6 Questions to Ask When Your Child Complains of Chest Pain 813 views

  • Lean, Purple Drank, Sizzurp: A Dangerous Teenage Drink 545 views

  • Stuttering In Young Kids: When To Be Concerned 482 views

  • Family Finds Heart Care Needed for Complex Condition 393 views

  • How To Increase Calories In Your Underweight Child’s Diet 251 views

  • Should I Worry If My Child’s Chest Is Sunken? 234 views

About

The Cincinnati Children’s blog features thoughts and perspectives from our experts on all things pediatric health. This blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Learn More »

Contact Us
  • 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026
  • 1-513-636-4200 | 1-800-344-2462
  • TTY: 1-513-636-4900
  • socialmedia@cchmc.org
Connect With Us
  • Newsletter Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us

© 2009-2025 Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center