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Narrative Medicine: Telling Life Stories To Improve Care for Cancer Patients

WHEELING — Award-winning creative writer and West Virginia University assistant professor Renee K. Nicholson has dramatically changed the face of health care in West Virginia through her work with Narrative Medicine-a medical approach that utilizes patients’ individual life stories to improve treatment experiences. The approach allows doctors to enhance care, beyond managing symptoms, and facilitates patients’ abilities to cope with the illness.

Nicholson will discuss her work at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21 at Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center as part of “The Art of Healing” lecture series.

The program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served beginning at 6 p.m.

Though she was trained in classical ballet, Nicholson was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at an early age. She had to make a career change, so she obtained a graduate degree in creative writing. While she was teaching, a physician who wanted to help an ALS patient write a memoir contacted her. Writing with a terminal patient about his life experiences motivated Nicholson to pursue a certificate in Narrative Medicine at Columbia University. She discovered that expressive writing not only has therapeutic benefits for patients but also has been shown to reduce physical pain.

In 2016, Nicholson received grant funding to launch the first Narrative Medicine research project ever conducted with rural cancer patients and the first project of its kind in Appalachia.

One of the patients Nicholson worked with was Wheeling native and multimedia artist Lacie Wallace. Wallace worked as a figure-drawing model for the Wheeling Independent Artist Group. She modeled prior to and through her battle with cancer until she was no longer physically able to do so.

Nicholson has worked with dozens of patients in the Narrative Medicine study-listening to and writing their stories.

“Cancer is indiscriminate,” she said. “It leaves a hole, and that’s something that anyone who’s been touched by cancer understands. I hope that having these stories can leave one little piece of connection. You can come back and read and hear your loved one’s voice again on the page. If they do that, in my book it’s all been worth it.”

Nicholson’s poetry as well as a collection of drawings and paintings of Wallace created by figure study artists are currently featured in “The Art of Healing” exhibit on display at Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center through April 19.

The exhibit includes drawing, painting, photography, sculpture and written word from artists from throughout the United States and explores various ways art can be used in the healing process.

The accompanying lecture series provides resources and social support for those affected by cancer. Special guests include artists featured in “The Art of Healing” exhibit, oncology experts, social workers, art therapists and cancer patients and their families.

Programs take place every Thursday evening during the exhibit at the Stifel Fine Arts Center. All programs are free and open to the public.

Other upcoming lectures include:

∫ Thursday, March 28: Art Therapy Panel: A panel of art therapists will discuss the healing benefits of using art to cope with illness.

∫ Thursday, April 4: Exploring Your Inner Landscape: Yoga & Sound Bath: Chelsey Keding and Lindsay Schooler will present a therapeutic session that combines soothing musical and energy medicine with movements and introspective visualization. All levels. All are welcome.

∫ Thursday, April 11: The Bodice Project Artists: Get an in-depth look at “The Bodice Project” from the artists who created this uplifting and sensitive sculptural exhibit.

For more information on “The Art of Healing” exhibit and lecture series, call 304-242-7700 or visit www.OIonline.com.

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