VOLUNTEERS: From left to right, Joyce Hartung, Roseann Romans, Patient Advocate and Navigator Barbara Prisco, Carol Selph, Nancy Scott, Dawn Galogly welcome visitors to “Art and Healing.”

Art & Healing Day is an opportunity for cancer patients and their families to use art to explore their emotions

The words "Hope," "Health" and "Healing" greet visitors to the reception area at Space Coast Cancer Center in Titusville.

The three words reflect the Center's approach to treatment and the reason why the Center offers an energetic schedule of programs that focus on health and provide opportunities to heal and to hope.

A survivors' summit, support groups, monthly lectures, and even an annual picnic for cancer patients are part of the comprehensive model of care that treats the patient as a person, not as an illness. "It is part of our mission at our practice that we meet all the needs of our patients," said Dr. Richard Levine.

The upcoming Cancer Prevention and Screening Event on Saturday, June 6, encourages Brevard residents to be proactive against cancer. On the same day, the Center is hosting "Art & Healing" Day, an opportunity for cancer patients and their families to use art to explore their emotions.

DR. RICHARD LEVINE’S Space Coast Cancer Center Titusville complex opened March of 2008. The 22,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility provides a seamless, multi-disciplinary approach to treatment. The elegant facility allows patients to concentrate on recovery by offering easy access to all necessary treatment modalities.

Both events celebrate National Cancer Survivors' Day, an annual worldwide event that demonstrates that life after cancer can be a reality indeed.

From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. that Saturday, the Center will provide extremely affordable screenings for skin and prostate cancer.

"All we ask is a $5 donation for the Space Coast Medical Association Foundation," said Dr. Levine.

The event taps into the considerable resources of one of the country's best known arsenals against cancer. "We're doing it with Moffitt Cancer Center," said Dr. Levine. "Moffitt staff will be here for the event."

Physicians or physician extenders such as nurse practitioners will perform the tests. The event is part of the Center's initiative to empower patients. "We want to help people take care of themselves," said Dr. Levine.

Prestigious Associates
The Space Coast Cancer Center is one of only a handful of Florida facilities affiliated with the prestigious H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute and one of three oncology practices participating in quality care studies with Moffitt and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. This association enables the Center to offer on site clinical trials in collaboration with Moffitt , as well as with Shands Cancer Center and the National Cancer Institute.

ONCOLOGY ON CANVAS: Titusville’s Connie Allen, above left, won first place out of 600 entries for her pastel, “Daisy and Me” (picture below) last year, and was invited to New York for a gala where she was welcomed by Regis Philbin and his wife Joy.

Art & Healing Day
From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on June 6, the Center will also host "Art & Healing" Day in collaboration with the Eli Lilly "Oncology on Canvas" exhibition, which showcases the works of cancer patients around the globe.  "Oncology on Canvas: Expressions of a Cancer Journey" is a powerful visual tribute to the people who have been affected by cancer, from patients and caregivers to family, friends and health care providers. The exhibit may be viewed at the Center from May 19 until June 12.

The Lilly "Oncology on Canvas" Competition began in 2004, with nearly 500 entries from 23 countries. The resulting exhibit debuted at London's Royal College of Art and then toured the world, encouraging and inspiring millions of people in more than 100 cities.

The artwork on display is expected to inspire visitors to try their hand at creating their own masterpieces during the "Art and Healing" event. Materials and instructions will be provided. "Artist volunteers will teach different media," said Dr. Levine.

Participants can dabble with pastel, watercolor, quilting, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, pencil and mixed media, thanks to the help of Brevard guest artists who specialize in the different media. "Art and Healing" replicates the Center's special program during its 2008 open house. "It was a huge success last year," said Dr. Levine.

Survivors may opt to submit their works to the "Oncology on Canvas" art competition.    "We'll even ship the works for them," said Dr. Levine.

The works of one of the "Art and Healing" participants last year was selected from worldwide entries for inclusion in the Lilly exhibit. Titusville artist Connie Allen won first place out of 600 entries for her pastel, "Daisy and Me." "They flew her to New York for the gala," said Dr. Levine.

Space Coast Cancer Center's Titusville complex opened March of 2008. The 22,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility provides a seamless, multi-disciplinary approach to treatment. The elegant facility allows patients to concentrate on recovery by offering easy access to all necessary treatment modalities.

Related posts:

1. Space Coast Cancer Center Houses Comprehensive Network of Services
2. Physicians, Survivors Inspire at Space Coast Cancer Center Summit
3. Invigorate Body, Soul and Spirit at Space Coast Cancer’s Daffodil Gala
4. Dr. Levine Appointed to National Cancer Advisory Board
5. Survivorship Summit Features Moffitt’s Dr. Jacobsen