Everyday Superheros – An update on the community art therapy project from our therapist friend Beth at Loyola

With the holidays coming up I like to take a look back on the year and give thanks. Upon reflecting on gratitude, I started to think about the community art therapy project that we are creating in collaboration with Hope Houses Workshop which is based on positive psychology. The questions that were posed to the Bone Marrow Transplant Survivors and their family were:  What is your superpower throughout treatment? What is your caregivers’ superpower? And/or what is your Bone Marrow Transplant Survivors superpower?

Throughout a Barrow Marrow Transplant patients are in isolation typically for at least 100 days.  For some, that means not being around their children, pets, or friends in addition to receiving treatment and not feeling well. Needless to say I deal with superheroes everyday… from patients and families to staff.

Families, Bone Marrow Transplant Patients, staff and Hope Houses Workshop started this project in September to celebrate survivorship and inspire hope, and we will continue it throughout the year.  This project involves painting individual small capes that will be attached to cover the clear cape of the superhero form.  The project is giving individuals the opportunity to stop and think for a moment about their strengths and/or their loved ones strengths. Then, challenging individuals to truly celebrate and commemorate their strengths, and in doing so encouraging others to do the same.

The capes people have painted are as unique and amazing as the people themselves. The sky is the limit on these capes. One child even painted a bowl of ice cream. For some that is something that one might be an event that is  taken for granted, but stop and think about that for a minute. That child’s superhero scooped her ice cream with love, and they were able to share that moment together. What a gift. 

We all have superpowers.  It maybe compassion, creativity, communication… the list can go on and on.  These superpowers should be celebrated. So this holiday season I challenge others to take a moment to think about their superpower and to take a moment to share and celebrate it.

Superpowers Listed by people

Humor, Generosity, Kindness, strength, positivity, determination, positive energy, faith, hope, love, patience, believing in myself, prayer, gardening, 2nd chance at life, inspirational, inner strength, Ability to cope with and overcome challenges, capacity to help others, positive energy, loving daughter, humor, the ability to see light in everyday, being nice and strong, loving me, never giving up, trusting God, being brave, toughness, courage, working out, I am an RN, making people smile, belief in self, enjoying life, encouragement, attracting amazing people, charm, He gives ice cream to me all the time.

What people wanted others to know about their capes.

I can, I will, I won’t give up.

Strengths because I am able to stay strong everyday.

Always think about the future and where it will take you.

Being Happy

Believe in yourself

Courage and balance. Superpower is your ability to move forward. Stay focused. Keep negative out of your way.

Represents my ability to overcome my medical challenges

Represents my bone marrow transplant and my ability to see the good in everyday. Nurtured flowers grow so does hope.

Inspiring people

May angels watch over you

Looking forward in life

Tenacity- Love helps you through

Her will to care for her children and family

No matter what never lose hope and always live with love

My cape superpower is compassion because everyone has challenged in their lives. Everyone gets scared at times but love and compassion from others helps to comfort them.

Meditation, positive thoughts, hope and trust

Working together as a team

I like making people smile.

I believe in survival and all it takes to achieve.

I got through 4 cancers with my ability to attract amazing people.

Thanks Beth for this wonderful update.  Friends I don’t know about you, but aren’t you grateful for people like Beth.  People who pour themselves into the health and well being of others.  Beth there is no doubt that patients and families feel the same gratitude for you this Holiday and everyday.  Keep up the amazing work and let’s all stop and appreciate how fragile life is, and how much better it can be with everyday superheros.

Learn more about Art Therapy at Loyola by clicking HERE