Brief
August 18, 2005
Patient wall: A daily reminder of why we are here
Patient-Recognition Wall
Photo by Todd McNaught |
A new patient-recognition wall in the Thomas Building was dedicated during the patient-reunion weekend as a way to honor patients' contributions to the advancement of cancer treatment. The words courage, pain, gratitude, dignity, legacy and hope combine with a series of photographs and statements, while a plasma screen displays a continuous cycle of patient portraits and quotes. The video will be ever changing as new photographs are added — including many taken from the reunion weekend. The result is inspirational and moving, an everyday reminder to the public and employees why we do what we do.
A committee of patient representatives, doctors, nurses and other staff members developed the wall. Committee member Michael Rubin, director of major gifts in Development and a former patient, said it was a project the LTFU staff has long wanted to do. "It became clear for so many reasons that it was important for us to recognize transplant patients," he said.
The idea for the wall was presented to Myra Tanita, chief operating officer, who gave it full support. Committee members Dr. Beverly Torok-Storb, Dr. Paul Carpenter and Agnes O'Connor, all of the Clinical Research Division, helped guide the project and felt it was important that it be interactive and dynamic.
Facilities' Scott Rusch and Scott Ingalls worked closely with Michael Courtney Design to design the installation. Gordon Todd of External Affairs wrote the text, Lisa Donohue and Suna Gurol of Internet Services designed the video element, and systems support specialist Erik Swanson coordinated the video installation. "We wanted it to be eye-catching," Donohue said. "I think it really brings home how important it is to do right by the patients and to honor them."
