Mission: To bring peace and community to vulnerable hospital patients through art. To work with other local programs and non-profits to create personalized messages from individuals in our community. No one should have to suffer from illness or injury alone.

About this project: I came up with this idea after my most recent stay in the hospital. I am chronically ill and spend most of my time in the hospital, going to the hospital, and recovering from the hospital visits. I noticed that oftentimes the sickest patients were also the most lonely. Whether it’s due to a lack of community in the patients’ lives or distance from loved ones, those without connection tend to suffer at higher rates and longer than those who have regular visitors or receive mail.

In a study by the NHS, patients without outside connection are less likely to be mobile (43%), less likely to be stimulated through conversation (56%), and less likely to follow medical advice. 37% were more likely to have a longer stay in the hospital. The study shows that two-fifths of patients may not see a visitor during their hospital stay (Ward, S. 2019.) My goal is to find a sustainable way to support them, emotionally and physically.

How: By creating my own original get well “art cards” and through collaborating with other community programs to host seminars in creating powerful messages of hope to those hospitalized, I will be able to reach a larger audience and therefore, spread more comfort and cheer. My first focus is on creating art for ICU patients and Mental Health patients at our local hospital, Saratoga Hospital, which I would then expand my reach as my participation and support from others in the area grows. Working closely with the nurses, we would present the most vulnerable patients with comfort and care.

What: This is a program that will be volunteer only, so neither I nor any volunteers will receive any payment. All donations will be used directly to purchase must-have art supplies. To ensure originality, I will be providing a multitude of art supplies including but not limited to watercolor paper, cardstock, magazines, glue, watercolor and acrylic paints, markers (regular and paint), Mod Podge, and rocks.