For Immediate Release
February 21, 2012
Contact: Michele Hutchins
(603) 238-6468

Some See Paint. Others See Hope.
Speare Memorial Hospital to host national exhibition:
Lilly Oncology on Canvas

PLYMOUTH, N.H.— For Chris Bolan it was a shock. It gave Donna Toohey a new perspective. Melissa Howard made a radical decision because of it. And for Marcia Morris, it is now all about prevention. They all have their own story to tell, but they share a common bond—being diagnosed with cancer.

That is exactly what the Lilly Oncology on Canvas: Expressions of a Cancer Journey is all about; the individual journeys people face when confronted with a cancer diagnosis as patient, family member, friend, caregiver or healthcare provider. This national exhibit is coming to Speare Memorial Hospital March 9 – 11, and the community is invited to take part in this shared experience. Sponsored by Northway Bank, over 50 pieces of art will be on display in Speare’s east wing, accessible from the main entrance off Hospital Rd. There is no charge to view the exhibit which will be open during regular operation/visiting hours.

The idea for bringing the exhibit to Speare was Miriah Greenwood’s, clinical leader in the Surgical Services Department. She has her own story tell having lost her mother and grandfather to pancreatic cancer, and a sister who is a breast cancer survivor. Greenwood says, “I am such an advocate for cancer awareness and prevention. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer, and by sharing experiences we as a community—both as neighbors and healthcare— can embrace knowledge as power for prevention, offer hope through support and learn from survivors.”

“This exhibit provides that shared experience,” Greenwood continues. “Sometimes words are not always enough to say how we feel, but art allows for individual expression and interpretation.”

Fred Nold, of Hebron agrees. His airplane series of paintings, which will also be on display during the Lilly exhibit, took shape while he sat in the chemo chair. He says, “My inner child began to emerge and I reflected on my beginnings as an artist. I remembered drawing WWII planes when six of my uncles fought overseas, and my childhood drawings were combat related.”

Nold began painting his adult version of the planes initially as a present for his grandson. He moved on to painting bold, vibrant impressions of the WWII images. He states, “In the very end, they are just the impressions of a young boy in an old man’s hand.” Nold’s work can be seen at Artistic Roots in Plymouth or on his website: noldgallery.com.

Opening Night Gala Celebrates Community

Together with Chris, Donna, Melissa and Marcia mentioned above, several other community members are sharing their journeys to help promote the exhibition. Their stories are on display in businesses throughout the greater Plymouth area. Many will also be on hand at the Opening Night Gala planned for Thursday, March 8 to support cancer care services at Speare. Requested donation is $35 per person and advance reservations are required. For further information contact Susan Durgy, director of development, by March 2 at 603-238-2211, or via email: sdurgy@spearehospital.com

Speare Memorial Hospital —a 24-hour, acute care, non-profit community hospital and health care provider serving Plymouth and the communities of central New Hampshire—is nationally ranked as a HealthStrongTM: Top 100 Critical Access Hospital.