Committed to Excellence in Cancer Research, Education and Patient Care
Inroads
June 2023
National Cancer survivors month is observed every year in June_ it is a disease caused when cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. Cancer is caused by changes to DNA.
Arts in Medicine: Transforming the Treatment Experience & Healing the Spirit Through Art
Work is nearing completion on a second mural adorning the walls of the Tulane Cancer Center Comprehensive Clinic. AIM's Artist-In-Residence Ann Zatarain worked with volunteer artists from the Willow School on this colorful installation, located near the nurse's station.
Recognizing the integral role of the arts in transforming the treatment experience, Tulane Cancer Center's Arts in Medicine (AIM) program has been providing arts-related workshops, events, activities and performances for patients, their family members, caregivers and staff for over a decade.

Research shows that artistic programming in healthcare settings can help reduce anxiety and stress, lessen the perception of pain, combat boredom, shorten hospital stays and boost immunity. Proponents believe creativity and artistic expression pick up where traditional medicine leaves off and their integration into the clinical treatment experience provides a more holistic approach to helping patients heal their bodies, minds AND spirits.

"I have had many conversations with our patients and caregivers that began with curiosity about the arts and then developed into what I do for the Cancer Center through AIM," said Ann Zatarain, AIM coordinator and artist-in-residence. "It’s been wonderful not only to spread the word about AIM to such eager listeners, but also to provide a creative outlet that allows our patients and their families to experience the therapeutic benefits of the arts."

AIM events and activities are offered to outpatients and their caregivers in clinical waiting areas – both in the Cancer Center and at other clinics across Tulane Medical Center – as well as to inpatients in the Stem Cell Transplant Unit. Programming ranges from a large variety of Art Packs-To-Go, containing all the supplies needed to complete a particular art project – like paintings, drawings, origami, air-dry clay creations, beaded jewelry, paper flowers, and wreaths – to group crafting events like Mardi Gras mask decorating and papier-mâché Easter egg decorating workshops.

AIM also hosts occasional musical performances and festive themed events in the clinical waiting areas, including St. Patrick's and National Cancer Survivors Day celebrations, complete with refreshments and special giveaways.

"I'm very excited to report that we also recently started work on a much larger creative project, a second mural installation," said Zatarain. "Inspired by art that is already a part of the Cancer Center's collection and the vibrant coloring sheets created by our patients, family members and caregivers, I wanted this new installation to be a landscape of color, pattern, texture, movement and joy that will provide an uplifting, hopeful experience for patients and staff alike. It is taking form more organically than the portrait mural our team completed last summer. Very much like when you sit down to an interesting coloring sheet with just a bunch of colored pencils in your hand and no real plans but to spend some time creatively taking your mind off things….that’s how it is! Our AIM patients know this feeling well, and I wanted this project to celebrate that creative process and the positivity it brings."

AIM is one of the services provided to patients through Tulane Cancer Center's Patricia Trost Friedler Center for Psychosocial Oncology. Since its founding, the Center has been committed to enabling patients and their families to cope more effectively with the emotional and physical aspects of cancer and its treatment by providing emotional support, education and practical help. Its programs are shaped by a belief that mental and physical health are interrelated and that there are rich untapped resources deep within each person. By discovering and mobilizing these resources, one can increase emotional well-being and lead a healthier, happier life.
 
You can help support Tulane Cancer Center's Arts in Medicine Program by making a tax-deductible donation to our Patricia Trost Friedler Center for Psychosocial Oncology. To donate via credit card (MasterCard, VISA, or Discover), please visit our "Giving" page here, click on "Patricia Trost Friedler Center for Psychosocial Oncology," and then follow the prompts. To make your gift via check, please make it payable to "Tulane Cancer Center," note "Arts in Medicine" in the memo line, and mail to: Tulane Cancer Center, ATTN: K. Green, 1430 Tulane Ave., Box 8668, New Orleans, LA 70112.
A festive Mardi Gras mask created by a Tulane Cancer Center patient
A large variety of Art Packs-To-Go help to reduce anxiety, stress and boredom through creativity.
Papier-mâché eggs and wooden bunny ornaments were available in the Clinic waiting area this spring for anyone wanting to explore their creativity at Easter time.
Coloring pages completed by patients, family members and caregivers were recently added to the Cancer Clinic's gallery wall in the main waiting area.
Tulane Cancer Center celebrated National Cancer Survivors Day – June 4 – with cupcakes and sparking grape juice for patients.
LaShawn Littlejohn (left) and Spanita LeBeau (right) joined 11 of their colleagues in painting their interpretations of New Orleans-style shotgun houses for AIM's recent Paint Night team event for clinical staff members.
ACS Road to Recovery Volunteers Needed:
Use Your Drive For Good!
Transportation barriers are the primary cause for missed cancer treatment appointments.

Every day thousands of cancer patients need a ride to treatment, but some have no way to get there. The American Cancer Society's Road To Recovery program fills this gap by providing transportation to and from treatment appointments for patients who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves.

But the program depends on its volunteer drivers in order to provide this vital service, and "right now the ACS is in need of additional Road to Recovery drivers in the New Orleans area," said Lexie Matherne, associate director for community implementation at the American Cancer Society - Louisiana.

Driving patients to lifesaving treatment is one of the most meaningful volunteer experiences you can have with the American Cancer Society.

So, how do YOU become a Road To Recovery Volunteer?

If you own or have regular access to a safe, reliable vehicle, then you’re already on the road to volunteering. Volunteer drivers must be between the ages of 18 and 84, have a valid driver’s license, pass a background check, and have access to a safe, reliable car. To learn more about becoming a Road To Recovery® volunteer, please visit the ACS's Road to Recovery® volunteer page here. 
National cancer survivor month_ June _ heart shape cycle of multi-color lavender purple colour ribbons
Cancer affects everyone. With more than 18.1 million people living with and beyond cancer in the U.S. today – and nearly 44 million people diagnosed with cancer within the past five years worldwide – everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by cancer.

During the month of June, people around the world are joining together to recognize cancer survivors and to raise awareness of the challenges of cancer survivorship.

According to the National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD) Foundation, a survivor is anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life.

As the number of cancer survivors continues to grow, it is becoming ever more important to address the unique needs of this population. In addition to facing a serious illness, cancer survivors must contend with rapidly rising medical costs; inadequate insurance coverage; difficulty finding or keeping employment; and ongoing physical, psychological, and financial struggles that persist even after treatment ends.

“The strides researchers have made in treating cancer are remarkable,” says NCSD Foundation spokesperson Laura Shipp. “So many people with cancer are living many years beyond their diagnosis. That’s why, now more than ever, it is vital that we work to ensure cancer survivors are not forgotten once active treatment ends. We need to do a better job of addressing the needs of cancer survivors throughout the entirety of their lives.”

The NCSD Foundation urges everyone to spread the message that surviving cancer is not the end of the story. All cancer survivors deserve a good quality of life, for the whole of their lives. For additional information and resources for cancer survivors or to help support the important work of the NCSD Foundation, please visit their website.

Tulane Cancer Center also salutes and thanks our friends at Cancer Crusaders and Krewe de Pink who honor local cancer survivors at their annual fundraising events, Celebration of Life Luncheon and Death by Chocolate NOT Breast Cancer, respectively. We also thank the local student athletes of the Pink Games, whose fundraising helps to support local cancer survivors with unmet financial needs. By shining a spotlight on the trials and triumphs of our neighbors and friends who have struggled with cancer, these advocacy organizations and programs help to reinforce the message that survivorship begins the minute you are diagnosed and cancer CAN be defeated.
Help Patients Through Their Survivorship Journeys
With A Gift to our Patient Relief Fund
It will be all right. Close up view of female doctor gp hands hold caress palms of woman patient. Young lady general practitioner therapist physician comfort sick person give hope support care belief
A cancer diagnosis brings with it not only physical and emotional challenges, but often very difficult financial challenges as well. That's why Tulane Cancer Center's Patient Relief Fund (PRF) is so important.  
 
The fund was started in 1998 – as an alternative to small gift giving at Holiday time among the Cancer Center’s faculty and staff – and it was meant to help our patients in need meet unexpected expenses associated with their care.  
 
Through the years, the PRF has allowed our clinical team to immediately assess and address financial needs that could become impediments to our patients following their treatment plans. Things like prescription co-pays, transportation, overnight stays in hotels, rent relief for those facing eviction, and the list goes on.
 
In recognition of National Cancer Survivors Month, please consider a tax-deductible gift to our PRF. Every penny donated remains right here in New Orleans, assisting our patients and their families. No salaries or administrative overhead is paid from the funds that are donated. And, most importantly, your incredibly impactful gift will continue to make a meaningful difference in the journey to survivorship for so many of our patients.
 
Because of you...

  • patients who have to travel to New Orleans for their treatments won’t have to delay their trips because they can’t afford the gas or the overnight stay

  • patients won’t have to put off taking potentially life-saving medications because they can’t afford the prescription co-pays

  • patients facing reduced paychecks and possible termination of their utilities can more easily focus on getting well rather than how to keep the lights on

  • patients who have to be more mindful of their nutrition than ever can more easily afford groceries when budgets are strained.
 
Simply put, your kind gift will help to relieve some of the stress and burden experienced by folks going through the most difficult and scary times of their lives, and on their behalf, we are deeply grateful.

To make your gift via credit card (MasterCard, VISA, or Discover), please visit our "Giving" page here, click on "Patient Relief Fund," and then follow the prompts. To make your donation via check, please make it payable to "Tulane Cancer Center," include "Patient Relief Fund" in the memo portion, and mail to: Tulane Cancer Center, ATTN: K. Green, 1430 Tulane Ave., Box 8668, New Orleans, LA 70112.