“SPLASHES OF HOPE” PROVIDES COLORFUL MURALS TO SOOTH PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS AT SBUMC
Sea-themed Paintings Add to Child-Friendly Environment at Outpatient Center
STONY BROOK, N.Y., December 18, 2008 – The doctors, nurses, and staff of Stony Brook University Cancer Center, along pediatric cancer patients and their families, celebrated the unveiling of colorful sea-themed murals that decorate the walls and ceilings of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Outpatient Unit. Provided by the organization “Splashes of Hope,” the paintings are placed in clinical exam rooms, chemotherapy infusion areas, and in the waiting area. The dedication took place on December 11 at the SBU Cancer Center for Outpatient Services.
Stony Brook University Medical Center added the vibrant paintings to benefit the youngest patients being treated at the Cancer Center. Images of fish and other sea-creatures smiling and playfully moving about, or playing sports or musical instruments, help the children to relax and think positive things while undergoing treatment or while in the waiting area or playroom.
Artists from Splashes of Hope, a non-profit organization based in Huntington, N.Y., donated their time and talent to create the paintings for the Cancer Center. The organization consists of paid and volunteer artists who create custom-designed paintings for hospitals nationally and internationally. A grant from the Laurence W. Levine Foundation, which selected SBUMC for the project, helped bring it to fruition. Senator John Flanagan (R-East Northport) also secured an additional grant to bring the project to completion.
The Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Stony Brook University Medical Center, established in 1991, specializes in treating children with cancer and other hematological diseases. It is the only Center in Suffolk County where children with cancer or blood diseases receive comprehensive care.
