Creativity Is More Than Just an Outlet

by Leigh Anne Naas 02/03/16

Today’s guest blog comes to us from Kirby Shedd, an associate brand manager with Lilly Oncology. Kirby has been in healthcare field for the past 15 years and is a graduate of Indiana University. He lives in Bloomington, IN with his 8 year old daughter.

Cancer is both an emotional and a physical journey for those who face it. While stress, anxiety, and depression can take a toll, creative expression can be an emotionally supportive experience, bringing comfort to those facing cancer and the people around them. This has become such a trend in cancer care that there are a number of ongoing studies in the field dedicated to finding new ways of caring for people living with cancer – these studies move far beyond examining medicines alone.

One area of study is the impact the arts may play in improving healing and quality of life for all those affected by cancer. The impact art therapy has on people touched by cancer is just now being realized. In fact, in 2013, the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine published a review of 27 studies of more than 1,500 people living with cancer and concluded that art therapy has the potential to alleviate symptoms of pain, anxiety, and depression and improve overall quality of life.

I am grateful to be a part of a group with a commitment to discover new ways of caring beyond treatment. In addition to providing an outlet for creative expression through Lilly Oncology on Canvas, Lilly Oncology is committed to raising awareness about the benefits of and supporting programs for those affected by cancer with the goal of helping support healing experiences through creativity in whatever form it takes.

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