Patient’s $1 million
estate gift supports
Arts in Medicine
program
Catherine Chastain’s life revolved
around art. She worked as a graphic
artist, owned her own graphic design
studio and later served as creative
director at several local companies.
In her spare time, she was an avid
Art therapy programs improve
patients’ quality of life
painter.
A patient at Baylor University
“I can’t think of a better way for History of the Arts in Medicine
Catherine also appreciated how art said. “She always said she wanted The Arts in Medicine program at
Even during her final days battling going through the stages of illness canvas to paint or make cards that ongoing way for her dream to come
Medical Center (BUMC), part of
Baylor Scott & White Health, Catherine to be remembered,” Janna
could help people cope with illness. to find a way to help others who were
colon cancer, she would head to her as she did, and this legacy will be an
she would give to her many friends. true.”
happiness, as well as her feelings of Therapeutic Benefits of Art
longtime friend, Janna Schick. “I how creative arts support healing.
get her deeper emotions out on effects of creative arts therapies on
she gave many of her pieces away. and quality of life. The NIH team
behind for friends to remember significantly reduced anxiety,
“She used art to express joy and
frustration over her illness,” said her
Evidence has emerged showing
NIH researchers examined the
canvas. As her illness progressed, patients’ psychological symptoms
It was her way of leaving something concluded that these therapies
her by.” depression, and pain and improved
September 2017, Baylor Health Care
BUMC integrates the visual, music
and performing arts to promote
healing and enhance the lives of our
patients, their families, visitors and
caregivers. It also builds on
believe her paintings enabled her to
After Catherine’s passing in
Program
patients’ quality of life.
For these reasons, the visual,
System Foundation was notified of a literary and performing arts are
proceeds of her estate. This will benefit and outpatient facilities, throughout
bequest of more than $1 million from the flourishing in many leading hospitals
the Arts in Medicine program at BUMC. the world.
community partnerships around the
arts, health and medicine. Wholly
supported by philanthropy, the
program has grown since its launch
in 2015, and now receives thousands
of referrals each month from all areas
of the hospital.
The program is administered by
p r ofe s s i o n a ll y-tr a i n e d m u s i c
practitioners and art and music
therapists. In addition, the program
has an Open Art Studio where
patients are invited to participate
individually or in group sessions.
“In the Open Art Studio, patients
initially come because they think it
will be a fun distraction from the
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