Expressing, Through Art, the Journeys of Those Touched by Cancer

PHILADELPHIA, PA (September 16, 2014)—Fox Chase Cancer Center – in partnership with Lilly Oncology, the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) – will be creating the Philadelphia Hope Mural with staff, patients, volunteers, survivors, supporters, and community members on Thursday, September 18 from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm on the Center’s campus in the Robert C. Young, MD, Pavilion (333 Cottman Avenue in Philadelphia). Once completed, the mural will be installed at a location near the Center. The event is part of The Hope Murals Project, an initiative created to mark the 10th anniversary of the Lilly Oncology On Canvas art competition, which invites all residents of the United States and Puerto Rico who have been touched by cancer to express – through art and narrative – the life-affirming changes that give meaning to their cancer journeys.

muralThe Hope Murals Project brings 10 inspirational pieces of art to 10 cities, in the form of 10 murals. The City of Philadelphia, along with Anaheim, California and nine other cities in the United States and Puerto Rico, was selected as a location for one of the 10 murals. The subject of the Philadelphia Hope Mural is “Awakening”, a piece of artwork by a person diagnosed with cancer and chosen by voters on the Lilly Oncology On Canvas Facebook page. During the event the mural design will be illustrated on several large canvases throughout the Fox Chase campus in a “paint-by-number” format, making it easy for anyone to join in the fun.

Fox Chase, with the help of AACR, is not only be leading the creation of the mural but has decided to make The Hope Murals Project the focus of its 4th Annual Celebration for Cancer Survivors – which will take place the evening of September 18 on the Center’s campus, honoring cancer survivors, patients, their loved ones and caregivers. Those attending the special event will also be invited to help create the mural; see a live performance by singer, songwriter, and cancer survivor Charlie Lustman; and take part in a special presentation of the CHASE Awards. The award honors one individual and one organization for their outstanding commitments to improving the lives of cancer survivors and their supporters through courage, heart, advocacy, service, and education.

For more information on how to participate in creating the mural, please visit www.foxchase.org and click on “A Celebration for Cancer Survivors”. Free parking for the events will be available in Fox Chase’s East Garage.

How to be part of The Hope Murals Project

You can connect with others in your community and beyond to honor the journeys of those touched by cancer through The Hope Murals Project in three ways: (1) Join us to create your city's art mural on Thursday, September 18 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Robert C. Young, MD, Pavilion (333 Cottman Avenue in Philadelphia); (2) vote today on the Lilly Oncology On Canvas Facebook page for the artwork you want transformed into Hope Murals across America; and (3) follow The Hope Murals Project during its 10-city journey on www.LillyOncology.com, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

About AACR

Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world’s oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes more than 35,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and cancer advocates residing in 97 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, biology, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 20 conferences and educational workshops, the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting with over 18,000 attendees. In addition, the AACR publishes eight peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients, and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration, and scientific oversight of team science and individual grants in cancer research that have the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer. For more information about the AACR, visit www.AACR.org.

Fox Chase Cancer Center (Fox Chase), which includes the Institute for Cancer Research and the American Oncologic Hospital and is a part of Temple Health, is one of the leading comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Founded in 1904 in Philadelphia as one of the nation’s first cancer hospitals, Fox Chase was also among the first institutions to be designated a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center in 1974. Fox Chase is also one of just 10 members of the Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers. Fox Chase researchers have won the highest awards in their fields, including two Nobel Prizes. Fox Chase physicians are also routinely recognized in national rankings, and the Center’s nursing program has received the Magnet recognition for excellence six consecutive times. Today, Fox Chase conducts a broad array of nationally competitive basic, translational, and clinical research, with special programs in cancer prevention, detection, survivorship, and community outreach. It is the policy of Fox Chase Cancer Center that there shall be no exclusion from, or participation in, and no one denied the benefits of, the delivery of quality medical care on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, age, ancestry, color, national origin, physical ability, level of education, or source of payment.

For more information, call 888-369-2427

Fox Chase Cancer Center (Fox Chase), which includes the Institute for Cancer Research and the American Oncologic Hospital and is a part of Temple Health, is one of the leading comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Founded in 1904 in Philadelphia as one of the nation’s first cancer hospitals, Fox Chase was also among the first institutions to be designated a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center in 1974. Fox Chase is also one of just 10 members of the Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers. Fox Chase researchers have won the highest awards in their fields, including two Nobel Prizes. Fox Chase physicians are also routinely recognized in national rankings, and the Center’s nursing program has received the Magnet recognition for excellence six consecutive times. Today, Fox Chase conducts a broad array of nationally competitive basic, translational, and clinical research, with special programs in cancer prevention, detection, survivorship, and community outreach. It is the policy of Fox Chase Cancer Center that there shall be no exclusion from, or participation in, and no one denied the benefits of, the delivery of quality medical care on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, age, ancestry, color, national origin, physical ability, level of education, or source of payment.

For more information, call 888-369-2427