The ancients accepted the link between mind and body as fact. With the advent of modern medicine, that link was ignored for a number of years, but today, feelings are acknowledged again as integral to the healing process.
That’s why Texas Children’s Cancer Center established the Arts in Medicine program. Arts in Medicine helps children and their families relax by providing enjoyable, educational artistic opportunities in the clinic. Key components of the program include participatory art education, hands-on art activities, and guest appearances by performing artists and storytellers.
Once a year, the art from this program is gathered from Texas Children’s and other cancer and hematology centers around the world, and displayed in various settings in a traveling exhibit called Making A Mark.
“The inspired art from our patients shows that the creative spirit of children is not suppressed by even a life-threatening illness. When I see the bright colors, clever themes, and brave words of patients from here and abroad it lifts my spirit also,” said Ken McClain, M.D. Ph.D., a hematologist/oncologist with the Texas Children’s Cancer Center. “I know the children look forward to the opportunities to do art work, write stories, or see performances by local artists who generously give their time to make that day a better one for the children and their families.”
Arts in Medicine specializes in art education so it differs from the hospital’s Child Life program, which is geared to therapeutic art activities. Still, Arts in Medicine has a healing component. The creation of art empowers children and teen-agers and helps them give voice to their many unexpressed thoughts and emotions.
“A sick child feels completely disempowered. They’re told where to go and when, and they have to have procedures that may be scary to a child,” said Carol Herron, Arts in Medicine coordinator for Texas Children’s Hospital. “When they choose to join us for an art or writing project, the colors or words they use may be the only decisions that day that are theirs alone. If they refuse to join in, it may be their only chance that day to tell an adult “no.’”
- You can bring the healing power of art and play into your child’s life by using these suggestions from Herron.
- Before going to the doctor, role play with your child. Have him or her use a favorite doll or stuffed animal to mock-examine. Explaining what will happen at the doctor’s office or hospital beforehand gives your child a chance to express their fears and may help reduce anxiety.
- Bring art supplies to the appointment. Colors or markers and paper are portable and inexpensive.
- Help relieve boredom in the waiting area or hospital room by allowing your child to bring along a favorite toy. A headset to play music or books on tape is another good choice.
- Siblings or classmates who are not sick often feel anxious about their friend, brother or sister who is ill. Help them feel involved by encouraging them to make cards, banners or posters, or write letters or poems for the sick child.
