Katzmann Patient Art Wall
The physicians of MercyOne Katzmann Breast Care have recently implemented a wall of patient’s artwork.
Art can be very therapeutic for patients during their journey and is an important form of self-expression. According to Dr. Sue Beck, “It is important to recognize the whole person and their individual journeys, not just the disease. We are delighted to be able to dedicate this wall to the therapeutic works of art from patients in hopes of inspiring or encouraging others.”
Each piece on the wall tells a special story of an individual’s breast cancer journey. For example, when April Katz came to Katzmann, she had recently moved to Ames. April had joined ISU as a professor of art and visual culture and finding great medical care was very important.
Just two years out from a diagnosis of Stage 2 breast cancer, which had been treated with surgery and radiation, April needed follow-up care and testing to check for recurrences and treat any lingering treatment effects. The relationships fostered at Katzmann extended beyond her healthcare to a personal relationship and artistic connection with Susan Beck, D.O.
When Tracey Jurgensmeier, ARNP, attended the art opening of April’s work in 2019, she was especially taken with two works created after April’s breast cancer diagnosis and informed by her study of its possible causes and treatments. They purchased one and April donated a second, both now on display.
April’s prints hang directly to the left of a large quilt which is a gift from another patient of Dr Beck’s and a friend to all the staff at Katzmann. The quilt is a beautiful “Pink Ribbon” pattern with DNA strands as part of the full design. “This quilt was a very special gift from a patient when she came in earlier this year for a re-check,” shared Dr. Beck. “Creating the quilt was therapeutic for and helped her through some hard times.”
Another fellow patient, Mandie, contributed her artwork as a gift to her surgeon, Dr. Torstenson. Mandie had enjoyed art as a teen but set aside her creative passion as an adult. That changed when she was diagnosed with aggressive Stage 3 breast cancer at age 46.
“When I was faced with the possibility of my own mortality, I decided I wanted to do something just for myself,” she says. That focus on self-care and a return to art led to her giving her doctor an original painting now on display. The words featured on the canvas represent the personalized care Mandie feels Dr. Torstenson provides to each patient she serves.
“When I gave it to Dr. Torstenson after my surgery, she told me it was just beautiful,” Mandie says. “I’m so honored to see it on display for everyone!”
