Lifting Spirits: New Mural Welcomes Patients at the Valley Health Breast Center
- Category: Cancer Care, Valley Health Foundations
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A newly painted mural at the Valley Health Breast Center will hopefully lift the spirits of patients and their family members, while providing them comfort on their breast cancer journey. 
The mural was the idea of surgeon Anita Minghini, MD, who approached the Valley Health Foundations about updating the waiting area in the Breast Center, which is located in the Cancer Center on the Winchester Medical Center campus. They agreed a mural on the lobby wall would make the space feel special.
Because Dr. Minghini and surgeon Marsha Nelson, MD, love plants, they decided the wall should have a nature theme.
“We want the Valley Health Breast Center to be warm and inviting for our patients,” says Dr. Minghini. “The mural welcomes the patients and lifts their spirits. It reminds us to stop and appreciate the beauty around us. It tells our patients that they are important. We care for them and about them.”
The Foundation reached out to Winchester muralist Sarah Gallahan, who quickly saw the potential in the space. For one week in November, Gallahan painted wildflowers of all sizes, shapes and colors on the Breast Center lobby wall.
“My grandmother-in-law was treated at the Breast Center,” she says. “I’m giving back for everything they did for her.”
Jenny Grooms, Executive Director of Valley Health Foundations, says the project is an example of how the Foundations aims to improve the patient experience through generous donations from the community.
“The breast center sees hundreds of patients each year,” Grooms says. “Every person is met with compassion and warmth in a time filled with anxiety. If we can support creating a space with a little something extra to brighten their day and support our local artists, it’s a win-win. Sarah’s work is stunning, and we’re excited to have it as part of our campus now.”
For more information or questions about Valley Health Foundations and its projects, call 540-536-6939 or email donations@valleyhealthlink.com.