Facing a cancer diagnosis is one of life’s scariest moments and coping with the physical and emotional changes can be difficult to manage. Riverview Medical Center is pleased to announce a new adult outpatient art therapy program called New Impressions. The program is designed for newly diagnosed patients, either in treatment or post treatment, looking for a creative way to respond to their cancer experience. WHEN: Thursdays, from 10–11:30 AM
WHERE: The Jane H. and John Marshall Booker Cancer Center Conference Room at Riverview Medical Center.
Participation is open-ended and participants can join at any time. Registration is required. Please call 732.530.2382 to reserve a spot in the program. Any additional questions can be answered by Mary Gambarony at mgambarony@meridianhealth.com.
The program is FREE to participants, thanks to the generosity of the Paul R. Nardoni Foundation. Paul, who passed away from Hodgkin’s disease in the spring of 2001, often found art therapy to be helpful during his battle with cancer. “The Foundation Board is thrilled to support art therapy at Riverview Medical Center,” says Ellen Nardoni, Foundation chair and Paul’s wife. “We have supported similar programs at hospitals for over a decade and have seen the positive impact they have on cancer patients and their families.”
New Impressions, led by seasoned art therapist Mary Gambarony, is aware of the emotional and personal challenges associated with treatment. “The focus of the program will be on the participants healing and growth through the art materials, as well as the support received from the group as a whole,” says Gambarony. “Everyone here at Riverview cannot thank the Nardoni family enough for their support of this program; they truly are a special family.”
New Impressions is open to all members of the community 18 years of age or older who have faced a cancer diagnosis. Talent is not required, just an open-minded approach to the potential of art as a healing modality. A variety of materials will be available for use, including paints, oil pastels, masks, printmaking, collage and clay.
“The award-winning children’s art therapy program at Riverview Medical Center has helped the little ones in our community deal with issues of grief and chronic illness for over 30 years,” says Kathy McKean, senior nurse manager, patient care services at Riverview Medical Center. “Many of the children who participated in the program years ago are now adults, living happy and healthy lives. We are so excited to start this continued chapter of care at Riverview and provide this service to our adult patients.”
