Murals: State-of-the Art Care In A 'Garden' Setting Thompson Cancer Survival Center at Methodist A white garden gate swings open... Follow through the gate, and on the right, a waterfall cascades into a tranquil pool. Soon, you seem to be surrounded by trees, birds, deer, even raccoons, as lovely scenes from a backyard flower garden unfold, framed by the Cumberland Mountains in the distance. That’s the feeling patients describe when they enter the radiation treatment area at the Thompson Cancer Survival Center at Methodist. Patients' first impression of the center is one of serene beauty, instead of the cold, stark walls evident in so many radiation treatment facilities. The colorful three-dimensional gardens filled with flowers and animals are painted as wall murals in the trompe l'oeil ("fool the eye") style, to give people the feeling they are walking into the setting of a beautiful garden, rather than a medical facility. One chemotherapy patient, Jeraldean Collins, of Clinton, says the garden scenes helped relieve tension over her treatments. "The murals made me feel more relaxed. They’re country-like, and pretty to look at. It’s just a real calming atmosphere, especially when you’re back there in the treatment area alone," she said. Collins said the murals made her feel "like the cancer center cared about what I’m going through. It’s like they want to help me as much as they can...and that makes me feel like special." A locally renowned artist, Julie Mowris, received a commission several years ago from a former patient's family to bring the scenes to life. Initially, the family wanted to plant a garden outside the free-standing cancer center to honor the patient, who was an avid gardener. Eventually the idea evolved into creating an indoor "garden" that patients could enjoy year-round. Mowris photographed scenes at the former patient's home and painted views from the back porch and gardens. "The original idea was to paint the ceiling of the linear accelerator room so patients could have something to focus on and capture their attention while undergoing treatment," she explained. "Eventually, the idea developed into painting down the hall and around the corner. The murals just kept growing. The intent was to create a whole environment...so people feel like they are among the gardens and rolling hilltops." Mowris said her major challenge was the sheer square footage of the area. At 17,500 square feet, the center was the longest and largest project she had done. "Because patients needed to be treated in the facility during the day, I worked evenings for two years to complete the project. It really stretched my imagination and creativity." The artist said the end product, though, was deeply satisfying, both professionally and personally. "I got to know many of the patients and staff here, and I received a lot of inspiration from them, and from their experiences. I’m honored to have been part of this project, but more importantly, I’m honored to have witnessed so many courageous people who come here," Mowris said. Deeper than physical appearance The murals may be the most visible sign of Thompson Cancer Survival Center at Methodist's approach to patient care, but the signs go much deeper than physical appearance…..

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