For Betty Parker and others battling cancer, the time when they're painting, drawing and creating helps take their minds off their everyday struggles.
"It gives you something to come in and do and enjoy and just enjoy the company," says Parker.
With $15,000 from the Livestrong Foundation, the Cancer Wellfit program with the Medical Center of Central Georgia can keep the art supplies pouring in.
Wellfit director Sandra Stone says, "We're going to be doing several different types of art projects, some journaling, making our own journals so they can log their feelings. We'll do some expressive posters, of ourse the artwork, painting, doing some pottery activities."
The free class already offers exercise, education, and other programs for patients, and now the grant will pay for an artist, Mary Parks, to draw up a new art project for the class several times a month.
"Painting and crafting activities are great muscle strength for their hands and activity for their minds to think about something they've never tried before," says Parks.
Parkers journey with Leukemia started three months ago. She says with the "Artist in Residence" program, she can create new ties, build her own art collection, and make lasting memories as she works to stamp out her cancer.
Stone says the grant will also let them bring art classes to patients as they sit through chemotherapy treatments.